Dwayne Johnson has revealed he has lost a significant amount of weight to portray a 75-year-old man in the upcoming film adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's novel 'Lizard Music'. The actor, who previously packed on 30 pounds for his role in 'The Smashing Machine', said he is now dieting to achieve a leaner physique. 'Think Clint Eastwood at 75 — sinewy muscles, he's lean,' Johnson told reporters at the premiere of 'The Smashing Machine' in Los Angeles.
Johnson, who will star alongside a chicken of the same age in 'Lizard Music', joked about his weight loss: 'Happy to not be carrying all the weight. I'm able to tuck in my shirt now… I don't look pregnant so it's all good.' The film is a collaboration with director Benny Safdie, who also wrote and directed 'The Smashing Machine'.
In 'The Smashing Machine', Johnson plays Mark Kerr, a champion MMA fighter who made a comeback after battling substance abuse. Co-star Emily Blunt, who plays his girlfriend Dawn Staples, described seeing Johnson in character for the first time. 'Holy shit,' she said. 'I was really staggered by it. It changed the air in the room. Everyone just went very quiet… The transformation seemed like water in the desert. It was so magical.'
Blunt and Johnson are also keen to reunite for a sequel to their 2021 film 'Jungle Cruise'. 'Call Disney. Get us back on that boat,' Blunt said. Johnson added, 'We're calling those guys tonight. We had so much fun.'
