Dwayne Johnson reunites with director Benny Safdie for Lizard Music, a fantasy adventure scheduled to arrive in theaters on Christmas Day 2027.
Dwayne Johnson is preparing for an unusual role in Lizard Music. The Hollywood star will reunite with director Benny Safdie for the upcoming fantasy adventure.
Amazon MGM Studios has scheduled the film for a theatrical release on December 25, 2027.
Moreover, the project marks the second collaboration between Johnson and Safdie. The pair previously worked together on the sports drama The Smashing Machine.
However, their latest film takes a different creative direction. Instead of a realistic sports story, Lizard Music explores a mysterious world filled with unusual creatures and unexpected friendships.
Dwayne Johnson Takes on a Surprising New Role
Dwayne Johnson will portray an old man character known as Chicken Man.
The role marks a major departure from his familiar action-hero image.
Instead of playing a powerful fighter or adventurous hero, Johnson will portray an eccentric man in his seventies.
Moreover, Chicken Man becomes an important companion to a young boy named Victor.
Their journey introduces audiences to a strange world filled with mystery and imagination.
However, bringing the character to life requires much more than a costume change.
Johnson will undergo an extensive physical transformation for the film.
Five Hours of Makeup for Chicken Man
Johnson’s transformation into Chicken Man requires approximately five hours of makeup each filming day.
Renowned prosthetic makeup artist Kazu Hiro is involved in creating the character’s appearance.
The process helps make Johnson look decades older.
Moreover, the detailed makeup allows him to move away from his recognizable screen image.
The transformation represents an important acting challenge.
However, Johnson’s performance will also play a major role in defining the character.
His facial expressions, movements and personality will help bring Chicken Man to life.
As a result, audiences can expect a different kind of performance from the actor.
Benny Safdie Reunites With Dwayne Johnson
Lizard Music marks another collaboration between Johnson and Benny Safdie.
The two previously worked together on The Smashing Machine.
That film explored the life of mixed martial arts fighter Mark Kerr.
Meanwhile, Lizard Music moves into fantasy storytelling.
Safdie is known for directing intense, character-driven films.
His previous work includes Good Time and Uncut Gems, which he co-directed with his brother Josh Safdie.
However, the upcoming adventure gives him an opportunity to explore a different genre.
Furthermore, Safdie has written the screenplay for the film.
What Is Lizard Music About?
The story follows Victor, a young boy who discovers a mysterious television broadcast.
The unusual program features lizards performing music.
Naturally, Victor becomes curious about the strange creatures.
However, his discovery soon leads to a much bigger adventure.
During his search for answers, he meets Chicken Man.
The eccentric old man becomes an unexpected companion.
Moreover, Chicken Man has a remarkable chicken named Claudia.
Together, the characters explore a mysterious world.
The adventure combines humor, fantasy and unusual friendships.
Furthermore, the story explores curiosity, imagination and personal connection.
Lizard Music Is Based on a Popular Novel
The upcoming film adapts Daniel Pinkwater’s 1976 novel Lizard Music.
The book is known for its imaginative storytelling and unusual characters.
It follows a young boy whose curiosity leads him into an extraordinary adventure.
Moreover, the story combines mystery with humor and friendship.
Its distinctive premise provides an interesting foundation for a film adaptation.
However, bringing the novel to the screen presents creative challenges.
Safdie will use live-action performances and computer-generated imagery.
Consequently, the film will introduce Pinkwater’s imaginative world to a new generation of viewers.
Theo Clark Leber Plays Victor
Young actor Theo Clark Leber will portray Victor.
His character discovers the mysterious television broadcasts.
That discovery eventually brings him into contact with Chicken Man.
Moreover, Victor’s journey forms the emotional center of the adventure.
The young boy must navigate unfamiliar situations and unexpected friendships.
As a result, the story combines fantasy with coming-of-age themes.
Leber will share important scenes with Johnson.
Their characters’ relationship could become one of the film’s most memorable elements.
Lizard Music Features a Star-Studded Cast
The film brings together several recognizable Hollywood performers.
Alongside Johnson and Leber, the live-action cast includes Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker and Regina Hall.
Arya Parvathi and Andrew Dice Clay are also involved.
Moreover, the production features an impressive voice cast.
Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, Colman Domingo and David Krumholtz will contribute voice performances.
Their involvement adds another layer of interest to the project.
However, the filmmakers have not revealed every character assignment.
Therefore, several details about the film’s unusual creatures remain unknown.
Live Action and CGI Bring the Fantasy World to Life
Lizard Music will combine live-action filmmaking with computer-generated imagery.
This approach allows the filmmakers to create imaginative characters and environments.
Moreover, visual effects will help bring the mysterious musical lizards to the screen.
However, the production has not revealed their final appearance.
Meanwhile, practical makeup will transform Johnson into Chicken Man.
The combination of traditional effects and modern technology could create a distinctive visual style.
Furthermore, the unusual story gives the filmmakers room to experiment.
As a result, the film may look very different from Johnson’s previous projects.
Major Production Companies Back the Film
Several established production companies are supporting Lizard Music.
United Artists is involved through producers Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions is also backing the project.
Benny Safdie will produce through Out for the Count Productions.
Additionally, David Koplan is attached through Magnetic Fields Entertainment.
Amazon MGM Studios will handle the theatrical release.
Together, these companies bring significant filmmaking experience to the production.
Moreover, their involvement reflects the project’s ambitious creative approach.
Lizard Music Gets Christmas 2027 Release Date
Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed December 25, 2027, as the film’s theatrical release date.
The Christmas release places Lizard Music in an important Hollywood moviegoing period.
Moreover, holiday releases often attract families and audiences seeking entertainment.
The film’s combination of fantasy and adventure could appeal to different age groups.
However, its official age rating has not been announced.
The studio has also not revealed its complete promotional plans.
Nevertheless, the confirmed release date gives audiences a clear timeline.
When Will the Lizard Music Trailer Release?
An official trailer for Lizard Music has not yet been announced.
However, the film’s confirmed theatrical release provides a starting point for future promotional updates.
Fans will likely be interested in seeing Johnson’s Chicken Man transformation.
Moreover, the first footage could reveal the appearance of the mysterious musical lizards.
The trailer may also offer a better understanding of the film’s tone.
For now, audiences must wait for official images and videos.
Why Lizard Music Could Be a Unique Hollywood Film
Lizard Music combines several unusual creative elements.
First, Johnson will portray an old person character far removed from his familiar action roles.
Second, Safdie will explore fantasy storytelling after working on intense dramas.
Moreover, the film adapts a novel known for its imaginative world.
The combination of live action, CGI and practical makeup adds another interesting dimension.
Furthermore, the cast includes established performers and emerging talent.
However, the film’s success will depend on how effectively these elements come together.
The unusual premise alone does not guarantee audience success.
Nevertheless, it gives the project a distinctive identity.
Lizard Music promises an unexpected new chapter in Dwayne Johnson’s career.
The actor will transform into Chicken Man for a fantasy adventure directed by Benny Safdie.
Moreover, the film features an impressive ensemble and an imaginative story based on Daniel Pinkwater’s novel.
The combination of practical makeup, live action and CGI could create a memorable cinematic experience.
However, fans will have to wait for the first trailer to see the transformation in action.
With a Christmas Day 2027 release confirmed, anticipation for the project is beginning to build.
Stay tuned for the latest Lizard Music updates, Dwayne Johnson news, Benny Safdie projects and upcoming Hollywood movie releases!
About the author
Neha Nikharge is Assistant Editor at Awesome TV and a writer for AWSM Times. Neha covers Bollywood, OTT releases, celebrity interviews and pop culture for South Asian audiences in the US and around the world, and has written more than 4,500 stories for Awesome TV. Story tips and corrections: hello@awesometv.com.
Where to Watch / Shop
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Awesome TV earns from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Watch on Amazon
