Dwayne Johnson is once again teaming up with director Benny Safdie for their latest collaboration, Lizard Music. During a recent appearance at D23, the actor shared new details regarding the production, which is currently underway. Johnson described the project as a unique vision, comparing the tone to a classic tale reimagined through the distinct creative lens of his director. The D23 Release: Lizard Music Film Production is already generating significant interest due to the actor’s commitment to his character.
Dwayne Johnson reveals he is transforming into a genarian (in his 70s) for his next role in ‘Lizard Music,’ which he describes as “Willy Wonka [& the Chocolate Factory] but from the mind of Benny Safdie” pic.twitter.com/YW0NJrJs4T
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) August 16, 2026
A Challenging Transformation
To portray a character in his 70s, Johnson revealed that he undergoes a rigorous five-hour makeup process every single day. He is working alongside legendary prosthetic artist Kazu Hiro to achieve the look. Johnson noted that he had to look up the term septuagenarian to fully understand the age range he was tasked with playing. He emphasized that he actively sought out this role to challenge himself, viewing the project as an opportunity to push his boundaries as an actor.
The Vision Behind the Adventure
The film is based on the novel by Daniel Pinkwater and follows a young protagonist who discovers an island inhabited by sentient lizards that play music and broadcast their own television programs. The boy eventually teams up with the Chicken Man, played by Johnson, to embark on an adventure to locate the mysterious land of the lizards. Safdie, who is writing and directing the feature, previously worked with Johnson on the project The Smashing Machine.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The reunion of Johnson and Safdie is a notable development for fans of their previous work. Following their collaboration on the A24 production The Smashing Machine, the duo has clearly established a strong creative rapport. By choosing a project that requires such a significant physical transformation, Johnson is signaling a continued interest in character-driven roles that deviate from his typical action-heavy filmography. This shift suggests a desire to explore more eccentric and narrative-focused storytelling.
Production Context
Amazon MGM Studios and United Artists acquired the rights to the film last October. As the production moves into its early stages, the combination of Safdie’s specific directorial style and Johnson’s willingness to undergo extensive prosthetic work has set high expectations for the final product. While the film is still in the early phases of production, the commitment from both the star and the filmmaker highlights the ambitious nature of this adaptation.
Source: Deadline
