Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s Latest Movie Makeover Has Fans Asking: Is That Really Him?

I’ll be honest—there are few things that truly make me do a double take these days (thanks, endless Marvel reboots), but did you ever think you’d see The Rock, that bald, eyebrow-raising monolith of action cinema, with a glorious mane of hair? I mean, for a second I had to check if my screen was playing tricks on me . Dwayne Johnson’s latest transformation for his upcoming role as UFC legend Mark Kerr in A24’s “The Smashing Machine” is, frankly, jaw-dropping—and it has the internet gasping louder than a knockout in the third round . Just picture it: The Rock, but not The Rock you know; a metamorphosis so total that fans are struggling to spot any resemblance at all .

But the intrigue doesn’t end with Johnson’s wild new look (honestly, who knew a bit of hair could be so iconic?). We’ve also got the electric duo of Emily Blunt and Bas Rutten, all under the gritty direction of Benny Safdie—yes, one half of the Safdie brothers, but this time flying solo for his directorial debut . The anticipation is thick, the trailer is already sparking Oscar buzz (hello, best makeup department!), and, admit it—if Dwayne isn’t even recognizable, what else might be possible in this wild world?

So, if you’re just a little bit obsessed with transformation—on and off the screen—you’ll want to dig into this one . LEARN MORE.

The Rock’s new look for his role as real-life UFC fighter Mark Kerr has seen him undergo an unrecognisable transformation, leaving fans stunned.

The film features Dwayne Johnson starring alongside Emily Blunt who will play Dawn Staples and Bas Rutten, famous Dutch MMA fighter, playing himself.

Directing the film will be Benny Safdie, making his solo directorial debut.

Safdie had previously written and directed films such as Uncut Gems and Good Time alongside his brother Josh Safdie.

The first look at Dwayne Johnson as Kerr came as a shock to fans when it released last year along with the news that he was set to play Kerr in an A24 film called The Smashing Machine.

For one: the initial picture had hair, something you wouldn’t associate with The Rock since the 1990s.

The Rock as Mark Kerr (A24)

A new trailer for The Smashing Machine, however, has left fans in shock.

One reply to the trailer posted to Twitter said: “This film getting at least best makeup nomination at the Oscars because that is not Dwayne lmaooo.”

Another said: “Doesn’t even look like him anymore.”

One comment on YouTube said: “Unrecognizable” is such an overused buzzword, but Dwayne Johnson really is legitimately unrecognizable on this one.”

Watch the trailer for The Smashing Machine below:

The trailer left fans excited for the film though, with many praising The Rock’s choice to take on a more dramatic role than he has become known for in recent years.

One comment said: “Maybe a A24 stylish biopic directed by Benny Safdie about a legendary UFC pioneer will finally make The Rock not act like The Rock for one movie and show us more.”

Another said: “I haven’t seen Dwayne Johnson really go for a role since Pain and Gain. This could be a winner.”

Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr (A24)

Speaking about accepting the role, Johnson previously said in an interview with Variety: “Benny [Safdie] wants to create, and continues to push the envelope when it comes to stories that are raw and real, characters that are authentic and at times uncomfortable and arresting.

“I’m at a point in my career where I want to push myself in ways that I’ve not pushed myself in the past. I’m at a point in my career where I want to make films that matter, that explore a humanity and explore struggle [and] pain.”

This does not mark The Rock’s only current slated foray into drama as he was recently cast in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film.

Though it is as of yet untitled it will see Johnson star alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Emily Blunt as a Hawaiian mob boss.