Hollywood star Dwayne Johnson has publicly detailed a significant fitness transformation undertaken for his upcoming role in director Benny Safdie's film 'Lizard Music', revealing he shed approximately 22 kilos (50 lbs) over nearly a year — dropping from 127.9 kilos (282 lbs) during the shoot of 'The Smashing Machine' to his current weight of 106.5 kilos (235 lbs). The actor shared the details in a video posted to his Instagram account, responding to fan questions about his training and diet.

Why the Weight Loss Took So Long

Johnson explained that he could not begin shedding the bulk immediately after wrapping 'The Smashing Machine' because he was contractually required to move straight into live-action 'Moana', where he plays the character Maui — described by the actor as 'a big, chunky, hunky guy.' With only two to three weeks between productions, losing weight was not an option.

Compounding the challenge, Johnson sustained injuries during the filming of 'The Smashing Machine'. 'I had injured my calf and my elbow,' he said. He was ultimately forced to carry the heavier frame through an additional three and a half to four months of filming, bringing the total period of elevated weight to roughly eight to eight and a half months. 'It took its toll,' he acknowledged.

The Approach: Trial, Error, and Olympic Guidance

Once free to begin the transformation, Johnson said he was deliberate and patient — taking the full year rather than pursuing any extreme method. He worked with 'a few Olympic coaches and a few pro athletes,' relying on their expertise to structure the process. Key dietary changes included strictly partitioning carbohydrates around training sessions, keeping daily fat intake between 50–60 grams, and — most significantly — cutting out all refined sugars entirely.

'For an athlete who was constantly battling a calorie surplus, this move was transformative,' Johnson wrote in his post caption. He also practised fasted cardio and trained in a fasted state as part of the regimen.

How He Feels at 235 Pounds

Johnson said his current weight of 235 lbs (106.5 kg) matches what he weighed during his freshman football season at the University of Miami, where he played as a defensive tackle — calling himself 'a little light in the ass, but still a monster' at that stage. He noted the last time he was this lean was decades ago.

On his present physical condition, Johnson was unequivocal: 'At this current weight and body composition, I've never felt better — strength, endurance, cardiovascular, metabolic health, inflammation, joints, insulin sensitivity, stress hormones, immune function, incredible pumps.' He added that he intends to hold this weight through the current shoot, with a possible minor increase of around five pounds afterwards.

About 'Lizard Music'

'Lizard Music' is directed by Benny Safdie — one half of the directing duo known for 'Uncut Gems' and 'Good Time' — and marks Johnson's first collaboration with Safdie. In the film, Johnson reportedly plays 'an older gentleman,' a characterisation that informed the physical downshift from the larger, more muscular physique he has maintained for most of his Hollywood career. Further plot and casting details have not yet been publicly released.

With production currently underway, how Johnson's leaner physicality translates on screen will be among the more closely watched aspects of the project when it eventually reaches audiences.