Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson does whatever it takes to look the part.
Indeed, while preparing to play the role of real-life UFC fighter Mark Kerr in his latest film The Smashing Machine, the professional wrestler detailed the “many hours” of training he endured to achieve the 2025 UFC Hall of Famer’s physique.
“Cardio in the morning, then I would go eat breakfast, and then I would go train, and then I would go eat again and then I would go back for all the MMA training,” Dwayne told E! News’ Francesca Amiker at the film’s North American premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. “I had to gain 30 pounds, and that’s a lot to carry.”
Beyond just gaining the weight, the 53-year-old had to go the extra mile and keep the weight on as he transitioned into his next project.
“Not only did I gain 30 pounds for this role, then two weeks later, I had to shoot live action Moana,” he recalled. “I had to keep the weight on. It was crazy.”
As for how he got through the long hours of difficult training? Well, Dwayne—who shares kids Jasmine, 9, and Tiana, 6, with wife Lauren Hashian as well as daughter Simone, 24, with ex-wife Dany Garcia—couldn’t have done it without encouragement from his friends and family.
“I had a lot of good people around me who said, ‘Yeah, you can do it and we’ll help you do it,’” he noted. “So that’s the key.”
After all, the Moana actor didn’t accept the role for recognition or awards—though he has generated some serious Oscars buzz ahead of the 2026 Academy Awards.
“I wanted to do something for me,” he explained. “I wanna do something that allows me to rip myself open and really dive deep. I had Benny Safdie, who was that director to say, ‘You can do it. Not only can you do it, I got you.’”
Beyond the unwavering support from his director, Dwayne’s costar Emily Blunt, who portrays Mark’s ex-wife Dawn Staples in the biographical drama, was also always in his corner.
“Emily is one of my best friends,” he said of the Devil Wears Prada actress. “The buzz that the movies getting is very surreal and its awesome. The key, I think, is to keep it all in stride, just be cool with it and take each day one at a time.”
For more stars who made an appearance at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, keep reading…
Kyla Weber and Vince Vaughn
The couple attended the world premiere of Easy’s Waltz at TIFF.
Austen Rydell & Billie Lourd
The Booksmart actress and her husband got a VIP Table at the Adulthood premiere party, sponsored by Campari and RodeoFX.
Alexandra Shipp
The actress made a red carpet appearance at the TIFF premiere of Glenrothan.
Brian Cox
Attended the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of his directorial debut, Glenrothan.
Matt Dillon
The There’s Something About Mary star hit the Toronto International Film Festival for the premiere of The Fence, taking on the lead role.
Natalie Portman
The Oscar-winning actress spoke onstage as Collider Media launched its TIFF studio activation at the Campari Cinema Center in Toronto on Sept. 6.
Simon Rex
The actor attended the premiere party for Easy’s Waltz, sponsored by Campari and Rodeo FX.
Jeon Jong-seo
Known for her breakout role in Burning, the South Korean actress attended TIFF for the premiere of Project Y as a member of the ensemble cast.
Kaya Scodelario
The Skins alum was pretty in pink at the Adulthood premiere party at Discreta sponsored by Campari and Rodeo FX.
Tom Blyth
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes actor walked the red carpet at TIFF for the premiere of The Fence.
Dylan Sprouse
The former Disney Channel star arrived in style for Latigo Films’ screening party for The Neglected during TIFF at the Campari Cinema Center.
Marijke Desouza, Ishaan Khatter, Neeraj Ghaywan, Janhvi Kapoor, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor
The director, cast, and crew attended TIFF for the premiere of Homebound.
Channing Tatum
The Roofman star visited the Collider Media Studio at the Campari Cinema Center in Toronto on Sept. 6.
Han So-hee
Representing the cast of Project Y, the South Korean actress made an appearance at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival for the film’s world premiere.
Felicity Jones
The Theory of Everything and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story actress looked radiant in a fiery red gown featuring a classic a sculpted neckline, bold side cutouts, and a sleek, form-fitting design, all elevated by a sweeping, statement cape.
Toni Collette
Wearing a cream Zimmermann ensemble featuring a hypnotic appliqué bodice and matching midi skirt, the actress turned heads at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of Wayward.
Ben Petrie, Grace Glowicki, Dusty Machinelli, Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Julian Richings, Patricia Tulasne, Jesse LaVercombe and Ahmed Moneka
The director, cast, crew, and guests arrived at TIFF on September 10 for the premiere of Honey Bunch.
Sarah Gadon
She stepped out in an army green and black checkered dress for the TIFF premiere of Wayward on Sept. 9.
Maude Apatow & Tessa Thompson
The actresses were the guests of honor at The IMDb Dinner Party at KOST in Toronto on Sept. 8.
Catherine O’Hara
The actress known for Beetlejuice, Home Alone, and Schitt’s Creek dazzled in an Alberta Ferretti gown at the TIFF Tribute Awards during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Joel Edgerton
The actor from the Star Wars prequels Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith arrived at TIFF looking effortlessly stylish in an all-black ensemble.
Amanda Seyfried
She stunned in a black off-the-shoulder A-line cocktail midi dress, elegantly graced with delicate, flower-shaped gemstones, at the TIFF premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee on Sept. 9.
Mona Fastvold
On the red carpet ahead of the TIFF premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee, she wore a black satin, high-neck, sleeveless gown featuring a structured bodice.
Park Jeong-min, Kwon Hae-hyo, Shin Hyun-been, Yeon Sang-ho, Han Ji-hyeon and Im Seong-jae
The director and cast of The Ugly attended the film’s premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
Lewis Pullman
Top Gun: Maverick and Bad Times at the El Royale star posed in a tan double-breasted two-piece suit at TIFF on Sept. 9 for the premiere of The Testament of Ann Lee.
Lily James
At the 2025 TIFF premiere of Swiped, the actress stunned in a black satin-back crepe gown by 16Arlington.
Georgia Grace Macy and William H. Macy
The father-daughter duo attended the world premiere of Train Dreams at TIFF on Sept. 9.
Colin Farrell
The Oscar-winning actor arrived at the Ballad of a Small Player premiere impeccably dressed in a pinstriped two-piece double breasted suit.
Fala Chen
Radiant in red, the Chinese-American actress graced the TIFF premiere of Ballad of a Small Player.
Scarlett Johansson
She attended the Eleanor the Great premiere in a custom Valentino gown by Alessandro Michele, paired with Prada sandals and Messika jewelry.
