Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson ‘Enjoying This New Journey’ Amid Physical Transformation For Role

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shed a ton of weight for his latest role — but friends are warning the rapidly shrinking star to hit the brakes before he jeopardizes his well-being, sources say.

However, the 53-year-old action hero is turning a deaf ear because he hopes his physical transformation will help propel him to new heights as a dramatic actor, sources say.

The ex-wrestling champ flaunted his slimmed-down physique at the premiere of his starring vehicle The Smashing Machine, which is based on the life of troubled UFC fighter Mark Kerr.

“He wants to be taken seriously as an actor, and this movie is his big chance to stand up with the other A-listers like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, but there are worries he’s going to dangerous extremes,” an insider shares.

The Rock confides he was “really hungry” to change for the meaty part, according to the Hollywood Reporter. He says, “I had been very fortunate to have the career that I’ve had over the years and to make the films that I’ve made, but there was just a voice inside of me, a little voice that said, ‘Well, what if I could do more — I want to do more and what does that look like?’ ”

The insider explains, “He’s known to go through torturous physical transformations to get a certain look for a role, but the fear is he’s taking a huge risk with his health.”

According to sources, the situation calls to mind musclebound wrestler turned actor Dave Bautista, who gained major pounds for the 2023 horror flick Knock at the Cabin.

Dave, 56, confesses in an interview with Chris Van Vliet that he shared on TikTok, “I put on an uncomfortable amount of weight, and it took me forever to shed it.”

Adds the insider, “Pals fear Dwayne’s doing the same in reverse. But Dwayne says he’s excited and enjoying this new journey and nothing will sway him to change his ways.”