Hollywood superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and visionary filmmaker Benny Safdie are teaming up once again — this time for a fantastical new project titled Lizard Music, set to be produced under Amazon MGM Studios. Based on the beloved novel by Daniel Pinkwater, the film promises a whimsical, thought-provoking, and imaginative cinematic journey that blends mystery, adventure, and heartwarming friendship.
A New Collaboration Between Two Creative Powerhouses
Following the critical success of their last film, The Smashing Machine, Johnson and Safdie are reuniting for what many expect to be one of the most original movie concepts of the decade.
In Lizard Music, Dwayne Johnson takes on the unusual yet intriguing role of the “Chicken Man,” a quirky, elderly character who embarks on a surreal adventure alongside a young boy and a 111-year-old chicken named Claudia. The film is being directed and written by Benny Safdie, known for his work on Uncut Gems and Good Time, both celebrated for their unique energy and storytelling style.
The Magical Story of ‘Lizard Music’
At the heart of Lizard Music is the story of a curious young boy who stumbles upon a strange late-night TV broadcast featuring — of all things — lizards playing jazz music. His curiosity leads him on an extraordinary adventure to uncover the truth behind these broadcasts.
During his journey, he meets the eccentric “Chicken Man” (played by Johnson) and his ageless feathered companion, Claudia. Together, they set off on a quest to explore a secret society that exists just beyond the realm of normal human understanding.
The concept, rooted in the whimsical imagination of Pinkwater’s 1976 novel, mixes elements of fantasy, childhood wonder, and existential mystery — a combination that perfectly fits Safdie’s offbeat cinematic style.
A Reunion Born from Creative Chemistry
The project’s origin story is just as interesting as the film itself. During the Toronto International Film Festival, Dwayne Johnson revealed that Safdie had pitched him the idea for Lizard Music in a passionate 45-minute storytelling session.
Johnson was reportedly so captivated by the concept that he immediately told Safdie, “I’m your Chicken Man.”
This moment of instant creative connection became the spark for their next big project together — one that both believe could redefine family adventure films in Hollywood.
Their previous collaboration, The Smashing Machine, might not have been a massive box office success, but it earned critical acclaim, particularly for Johnson’s raw and transformative performance as UFC legend Mark Kerr. That experience established a deep trust between actor and director, which has clearly carried into Lizard Music.
Amazon MGM’s Excitement for the Project
Executives at Amazon MGM Studios are thrilled about the partnership. Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical, expressed immense admiration for the duo’s creative synergy.
She called Lizard Music “a timeless and unique cinematic story” and praised the team’s vision for its emotional depth and imagination. The studio is eager to replicate the magic that came from The Smashing Machine, a film that showcased Safdie’s artistic direction and Johnson’s acting range in a whole new light.
Scott Stuber, who is producing the movie alongside Nick Nesbitt, also shared his enthusiasm, saying that Johnson and Safdie’s connection as artists makes their work stand out. “The world they’ve created for Lizard Music is unlike anything either has done before,” Stuber noted. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this wonderfully imaginative story to life.”
Benny Safdie’s Deep Connection to the Story
For Safdie, Lizard Music is more than just another film adaptation — it’s a personal passion project. The director revealed that he has a long-standing connection to Daniel Pinkwater’s book, having read it to his two young sons.
He shared that both he and his children were captivated by the story’s sense of wonder and imagination. Safdie described Pinkwater not only as a brilliant author but also as a deeply kind and creative person who has inspired generations with his offbeat storytelling.
“The idea of making a movie where everyone can join the conversation is both thrilling and beautiful,” Safdie said. “To go on this adventure with Dwayne and to watch him transform into the Chicken Man is beyond exciting. I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.”
A Film That Blends Imagination with Emotion
Lizard Music promises to be more than a simple fantasy tale — it’s a film that blends surrealism with heartfelt emotion, designed to appeal to audiences of all ages.
While details about the full cast and production timeline are still under wraps, the announcement has already generated significant buzz across Hollywood. Fans of Dwayne Johnson are eager to see him step outside his usual action-hero persona and embrace a more eccentric and emotionally rich role.
Safdie, meanwhile, continues to prove himself as one of the most daring filmmakers of his generation, unafraid to take creative risks and push boundaries in storytelling.
Conclusion
With Lizard Music, Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie are set to deliver a cinematic experience unlike anything audiences have seen before — imaginative, emotional, and full of mystery. The film’s combination of quirky characters, surreal visuals, and heartfelt storytelling could make it one of Amazon MGM’s most anticipated releases in the coming years.
As Johnson steps into the whimsical shoes of the “Chicken Man” and Safdie brings Pinkwater’s magical world to life, one thing is certain: Lizard Music will be a must-watch adventure that bridges fantasy, philosophy, and pure cinematic joy.