Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie team up for Amazon’s ‘Lizard Music’

Dwayne Johnson is stepping into one of his most unusual roles yet, teaming up with filmmaker Benny Safdie for Amazon MGM’s adaptation of the cult classic novel Lizard Music.

The project, now set under United Artists, is already creating buzz for its offbeat story and Johnson’s unexpected transformation. With Safdie writing and directing, this collaboration marks a daring new chapter for both creatives.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes Lizard Music one of the most talked-about upcoming projects in Hollywood.

A bold reunion

After making waves with The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie are joining forces again, this time for something entirely different.

Their last project together, a gritty biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr, proved Johnson’s ability to shed his blockbuster persona for a more dramatic and grounded role. Now, he’s diving headfirst into a world of whimsy and surreal adventure.

This partnership shows the growing creative trust between the two. Safdie is known for his distinctive, chaotic storytelling, while Johnson brings unmatched charisma and reach. Together, they’re blending arthouse vision with mainstream appeal, a mix that could redefine Johnson’s image as an actor.

Inside the story of Lizard Music

Based on Daniel Pinkwater’s 1976 novel, Lizard Music follows a lonely boy who discovers a secret television broadcast featuring a band of lizards playing otherworldly music.

His curiosity leads him to an eccentric man known as the Chicken Man and his elderly chicken companion, Claudia. Together, they embark on a strange and magical journey that blurs the line between reality and imagination.

Johnson takes on the role of the Chicken Man, a whimsical, mysterious figure who guides the young protagonist through a series of surreal adventures.

During a recent festival appearance, Johnson revealed he’s been preparing extensively for the part, describing the character as “a whimsical seventy-year-old man who finds friendship in the most unexpected place, with a chicken.” It’s a role unlike anything he’s tackled before, and fans are eager to see how he transforms for it.

What makes this project unique

Safdie’s interpretation of Lizard Music is expected to stay true to the book’s oddball charm while expanding it for modern audiences.

The story combines humor, mystery, and heartfelt emotion, offering a different kind of fantasy film, one that doesn’t rely on spectacle alone but on imagination and human connection.

For Johnson, this project represents a creative gamble, and that’s exactly why it’s exciting. Known primarily for action-packed blockbusters, he’s choosing to explore a slower, more character-driven role. It’s a step toward proving that he’s not just an action star but a versatile performer capable of carrying unconventional stories.

The team behind the scenes

The film will be produced by Amazon MGM’s United Artists label after the studio won a competitive bidding war for the rights.

The deal reflects Amazon’s growing ambition to expand beyond safe, formulaic hits into more experimental and artistically bold territory.

Safdie will both write and direct the adaptation, continuing his streak of working on character-driven, visually striking films. Johnson’s production company, Seven Bucks Productions, is also on board, partnering with Magnetic Fields Entertainment to bring Pinkwater’s beloved story to life.

Together, this creative team bridges the gap between indie authenticity and Hollywood scale, a balance that could make Lizard Music a standout in Amazon’s upcoming slate.

Dwayne Johnson’s new creative direction

Johnson has openly discussed wanting to reinvent himself on screen.

Following The Smashing Machine, he hinted that his next few roles would focus less on muscles and more on meaning. Playing the Chicken Man seems like the perfect way to showcase that evolution.

He’s also undergone a noticeable physical transformation for the part, toning down his famously muscular build to embody a much older, eccentric character. This willingness to change, physically and creatively, reflects Johnson’s commitment to broadening his range as an actor.

It’s not just about the look; it’s about embracing vulnerability, humor, and unpredictability. For Johnson, Lizard Music isn’t just another movie; it’s a statement of artistic growth.

What this means for Benny Safdie

For Safdie, this project offers a chance to step further into the mainstream without compromising his distinctive storytelling voice.

Known for the high-pressure realism of Uncut Gems and Good Time, Safdie is no stranger to intensity — but Lizard Music allows him to explore a more whimsical side of filmmaking.

The move also positions Safdie as one of the most versatile directors working today. Shifting from gritty drama to surreal fantasy requires both courage and creativity, and his ability to attract a global star like Johnson speaks volumes about his growing influence in Hollywood.

The role of Amazon MGM, and United Artists

By acquiring Lizard Music, Amazon MGM’s United Artists label is signaling a strong push into artist-driven storytelling.

This decision follows the studio’s broader trend of supporting visionary projects that blend mainstream accessibility with originality.

Executives reportedly praised the project’s “inventive spirit” and the chemistry between Johnson and Safdie. It’s a smart move; combining a fan-favorite actor with a filmmaker celebrated for his creative risks could help Amazon position itself as a hub for bold, original cinema rather than just streaming content.

If successful, Lizard Music could set a precedent for more risk-taking projects at Amazon MGM.

What’s still under wraps

While the project has officially been announced, many details remain undisclosed.

There’s no confirmed release date or word on when production will begin. Casting beyond Johnson has also not been revealed, leaving fans guessing who might play the young protagonist or voice the story’s peculiar lizards.

The tone of the adaptation also remains a mystery. Will it lean more toward family-friendly fantasy or a quirky, introspective tale for adults? With Safdie at the helm, it could be a mix of both, heartfelt and strange, funny yet philosophical.

Why fans are already intrigued

Fans of Pinkwater’s original book have waited decades to see this story adapted, and Johnson’s involvement is bringing it the mainstream attention it never had before.

Many are curious to see how the film will balance its surreal elements with emotional storytelling.

For long-time followers of Johnson, this film represents a refreshing departure from his usual roles. It’s a chance to see him step into something deeply human, creative, and bizarre, a side that audiences rarely get to witness.

In many ways, Lizard Music could become a turning point, not just for Johnson, but for the kind of stories Hollywood chooses to tell.

Looking ahead

Production is expected to ramp up in 2026, once Johnson finishes his promotional commitments for other projects.

Safdie is reportedly finalizing the script and visual concept, aiming to capture the whimsical energy of the novel while giving it cinematic depth.

As anticipation builds, both fans and critics are keeping a close eye on this unlikely duo. Johnson’s newfound creative freedom and Safdie’s unconventional approach could deliver one of the most original films in Amazon’s lineup.

If the pair succeeds, Lizard Music might just prove that the best Hollywood surprises come when stars take unexpected risks.

TL;DR

• Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie reunite for Lizard Music, based on Daniel Pinkwater’s beloved novel.
• Johnson will star as the eccentric Chicken Man, a 70-year-old who befriends a chicken.
• The film is set at Amazon MGM’s United Artists, with Safdie writing and directing.
• Johnson’s physical and creative transformation signals a bold new chapter in his career.
• No release date yet, but it’s already one of Amazon’s most anticipated projects.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.