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A fan and Emily Blunt | Source: Getty Images
A fan and Emily Blunt | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt Stuns in a Light Blue Dress on the Venice Film Festival Red Carpet

Dorcus Osongo
Sep 03, 2025
09:30 A.M.

The "Sicario" star sizzled in blue while Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson unveiled a dramatically slimmer frame. The co-stars' red-carpet appearance set off a storm of speculation.

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Emily Blunt turned heads in Venice with her figure-hugging gown, but while some praised her stunning look, much of the attention shifted to her face, sparking cosmetic surgery allegations.

A fan's reaction to Emily Blunt's facial appearance, from a post dated September 1, 2025 | Source: Facebook/RedCarpetFashionAwards

A fan's reaction to Emily Blunt's facial appearance, from a post dated September 1, 2025 | Source: Facebook/RedCarpetFashionAwards

Blunt's Bold Braless Look Turns Heads

Blunt arrived at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, attending the photocall for "The Testament of Ann Lee." The actress chose a daring look, stepping out braless in a sleek gown that hugged her frame in all the right places.

Emily Blunt attends the New York Premiere of "IF" at the SVA Theater on May 13, 2024, in New York, New York | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt attends the New York Premiere of "IF" at the SVA Theater on May 13, 2024, in New York, New York | Source: Getty Images

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The sleeveless light blue number was crafted in soft jersey and elevated with bold gold brass straps, giving the look a sculptural edge. Its twisted bodice and carefully draped detailing down the front created a statement silhouette that oozed sophistication.

Emily Blunt attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Universal Pictures "The Fall Guy" at Dolby Theatre on April 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Universal Pictures "The Fall Guy" at Dolby Theatre on April 30, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Golden Accents and Old-Hollywood Flair Elevate the Ensemble

Blunt didn't stop there. She paired the gown with metallic block-heeled sandals in gold, tying her look seamlessly to the gleaming straps of her dress. She chose a charm-style gold necklace and geometric drop earrings for a modern twist on old-Hollywood elegance, which added to the glamour.

Emily Blunt attends the Tiffany & Co. Celebration of the launch of "Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste" at The Beverly Estate on April 25, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt attends the Tiffany & Co. Celebration of the launch of "Blue Book 2024: Tiffany Céleste" at The Beverly Estate on April 25, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

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Her freshly tinted cinnamon spice locks were styled into glossy, voluminous curls. Meanwhile, her makeup kept things glowing and effortless with luminous skin and a sweep of lilac eyeshadow that subtly tied the look together.

Emily Blunt attends the "The Fall Guy" Premiere at UGC Normandie on April 23, 2024 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt attends the "The Fall Guy" Premiere at UGC Normandie on April 23, 2024 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

But All Eyes Shift to Her Face… and The Internet Erupts

As much as Blunt's gown and glowing look set social media alight, much of the buzz centered on her face, with fans speculating whether she had undergone plastic surgery.

Emily Blunt attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

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One surprised viewer didn't hold back, asking, "Why did she have to mess with that gorgeous face?" Another individual was quick to speculate, "Hard face work. Eyes and cheekbone areas." Someone else echoed this concern, "Another one goes under the knife."

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 in Venice, Italy, on September 1, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 in Venice, Italy, on September 1, 2025 | Source: Getty Images

A fan who once admired her authenticity expressed disappointment, "Omg God what a shame to see that Emily who I have admired because of her authenticity, has clearly gotten caught up in the whole Hollywood fixation with botox and facial enhancement. She looks terribly unnatural in this shot. [sic]"

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 in Venice, Italy | Source: Getty Images

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Another person lamented the change in her appearance, "She was so beautiful, now she looks like Meghan Fox 😔." One stunned observer added, "Her face is all contorted. What plastic surgery is this? Why Emily?"

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival 2025 | Source: Getty Images

Still, it wasn't all criticism. One admirer gushed, "She looks effortlessly stunning. What a beauty xx." And finally, a style enthusiast zoomed in on her outfit, "The dress has a fitted silhouette that accentuates the figure, with draped detailing that adds visual interest."

Emily Blunt | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt | Source: Getty Images

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On September 1, 2025, Emily Blunt also attended the unveiling of the emotional biopic "The Smashing Machine" alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. However, this time, all eyes were on the Hollywood powerhouse.

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Johnson stunned the world not with a blockbuster punch or an eyebrow raise, but with a dramatically lean new look that left fans gasping and gossiping across the globe.

Dwayne Johnson pictured with Emily Blunt on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured with Emily Blunt on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

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Gone was the hulking action-hero bulk that made him a household name. In its place stood a noticeably slender figure dressed in a light gray double-breasted suit, worn over an open white shirt that exposed a glinting gold chain.

Dwayne Johnson attends "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson attends "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

The former WWE icon turned Hollywood heavyweight completed the look with sleek black leather shoes, a light blue pocket square, and a designer watch that sparkled under the Italian sun. He may have been dressed like a star, but his frame? Almost unrecognizable.

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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Red Carpet Appearance Sparks Online Firestorm

While Johnson oozed old-Hollywood charm, fans couldn't stop staring. Next to him was Blunt, who dazzled in a strapless, shimmering gown with a sculpted bodice and flowing draped detail.

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Her silver platform heels and bold statement earrings gave her a goddess-like presence. However, most of the focus went to Johnson's transformation. Within minutes of the photos surfacing, social media lit up with concerned, confused, and stunned reactions.

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

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On Instagram, one person commented, "They both look unrecognizable." Another wrote, "He looks sick and kinda frail," while a third said, "He looks so skinny."

Dwayne Johnson pictured with Emily Blunt on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured with Emily Blunt on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

'Something Is Not Right': Fans Flood Social Media With Speculation

Then came the post that truly set the internet on fire: a viral upload featuring side-by-side images of Johnson, then and now, which visually emphasized just how different the actor now looks compared to his former self.

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The post didn't just show the contrast; it invited commentary. And fans did not hold back. Comments included, "His eyes… something is not right if the picture is true. 😢," Hopefully he is ok," "Doesnt [sic] look like him 😳," "Too skinny," and "His eyes don't look as bright."

Dwayne Johnson arrives at the pier ahead of the "The Smashing Machine" photocall during The 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson arrives at the pier ahead of the "The Smashing Machine" photocall during The 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

On Facebook, the reactions were just as direct. One fan remarked, "Wow he looks so different 👀." Another added, "Man he's gotten skinny." A third wrote, "What happend [sic]to the rock? He's Dave Bautista all of a sudden."

The tone was clear: this wasn't just a new look. It was a shock to the system for fans who have long known Johnson for his larger-than-life presence and towering titan physique.

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Dwayne Johnson arrives at the pier ahead of the "The Smashing Machine" photocall on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson arrives at the pier ahead of the "The Smashing Machine" photocall on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The Truth Behind the Transformation: A Brutal Role in 'The Smashing Machine'

Johnson's new look is no accident. It's the result of a physically and emotionally demanding transformation for his role as Mark Kerr, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion and legendary figure in the early days of MMA.

Mark Kerr and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Mark Kerr and Dwayne Johnson attend "The Smashing Machine" red carpet during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2025, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

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Directed by Bennie Safdie, "The Smashing Machine" tells the harrowing true story of Kerr's meteoric rise and tragic battle with painkiller addiction, mental health struggles, and the brutal realities of no-holds-barred fighting in the 1990s.

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Blunt stars alongside Johnson as Dawn Staples, Kerr's devoted but heartbroken wife. The film explores not just the violence in the cage, but the silent torment outside it. For Johnson, the role demanded a major shift in appearance and approach.

"This transformation was something I was really hungry to do," he explained. "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?'"

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Dwayne Johnson and US former UFC fighter Mark Kerr attend the red carpet of the movie "The Smashing Machine" presented in competition at the 82nd International Venice Film Festival, at Venice Lido on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson and US former UFC fighter Mark Kerr attend the red carpet of the movie "The Smashing Machine" presented in competition at the 82nd International Venice Film Festival, at Venice Lido on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Kerr Himself Reacts: 'I Am Still in Disbelief'

The real-life Mark Kerr was left emotional after seeing Dwayne Johnson bring his story to life, posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram back in April.

"I am still in disbelief that this is real. I am so proud of the work [Dwayne Johnson] put into becoming The Smashing Machine," stated the retired fighter. "I have so much gratitude, humility and respect for ever litlle [sic] detail production uncovered. Can't wait to share this experience with the world."

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Is This Just a Role or a Turning Point?

Even though Johnson has explained his transformation as a creative choice, the reactions show just how deeply his image is etched in the public consciousness and how unsettling this new version feels to many.

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025. | Source: Getty Images

The man once known for filling the screen with brute force and charisma now appears visibly smaller, his features sharper, his presence quieter. And while the film's debut is commanding attention, the conversation continues to orbit around his changed appearance.

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Dwayne Johnson pictured on September 1, 2025, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images

Whether it's all part of the role or something more fans aren't yet seeing, Johnson's striking new look has left an imprint far beyond the red carpet.

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