Full Breakdown
Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie Team Up for 'Lizard Music'
10/16/2025, 9:05:52 PM
Overview of the Project
Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists has secured the rights to produce *Lizard Music*, a film adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's 1976 novel. Dwayne Johnson is set to star as the eccentric Chicken Man, while Benny Safdie will direct and write the screenplay. This project marks the second collaboration between Johnson and Safdie, following their recent film *The Smashing Machine*, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival.
Plot Synopsis
*Lizard Music* follows a young boy who discovers a secret late-night broadcast featuring lizards playing otherworldly music. His quest for answers leads him to the whimsical Chicken Man and his 111-year-old chicken companion, Claudia. Together, they embark on an adventure that begins with a search for a hidden society and evolves into a journey through invisible worlds and unexpected harmonies, ultimately exploring the bond between lost souls.
Key Figures Involved
- Dwayne Johnson: Renowned actor known for his roles in blockbuster films, Johnson will portray the Chicken Man in *Lizard Music*.
- Benny Safdie: Acclaimed director and writer, Safdie is making his second solo directorial effort with this film after his work on *The Smashing Machine*.
- Scott Stuber: Head of United Artists, Stuber has a history of collaboration with both Johnson and Safdie, producing this project alongside Nick Nesbitt and David Koplan.
Official Statements & Responses
Courtenay Valenti, Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical at Amazon MGM Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “We are so thrilled to partner once again with extraordinarily talented Dwayne Johnson, as well as work for the first time with the amazing creator, writer, and director Benny Safdie... Lizard Music is a tale that feels both timeless and unique.” Stuber also praised the duo's creative synergy, noting, “The world they’ve created together for *Lizard Music* is unlike anything either has done before.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding *Lizard Music*, the previous collaboration between Johnson and Safdie, *The Smashing Machine*, faced criticism for its box office performance, grossing only $17.1 million against a $50 million budget. This has led to questions about the commercial viability of their new project, with some industry observers expressing skepticism about whether *Lizard Music* can resonate with mainstream audiences.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I couldn’t be more excited to go on this journey with Amazon MGM studios and United Artists. Lizard Music is a book I read to my two sons, and we were riveted by its imagination and wonder. I love Daniel Pinkwater as a person and an author; the idea of making a movie where everyone can join the conversation is both thrilling and beautiful. To go on this adventure with Dwayne and to be able to watch him transform and become the Chicken Man is just beyond. I can’t wait!” — Benny Safdie
- “To go on this adventure with Dwayne and to be able to watch him transform and become the Chicken Man is just beyond.” — Benny Safdie
- “The world they’ve created together for Lizard Music is unlike anything either has done before, and we couldn’t be more excited to bring this wonderfully imaginative story to life.” — Scott Stuber
What's Next
While a release date for *Lizard Music* has not yet been announced, the film is expected to continue the creative partnership between Johnson and Safdie, potentially leading to further collaborations in the future. As the project develops, industry watchers will be keen to see how it performs both critically and commercially, especially in light of the challenges faced by *The Smashing Machine*.
