What’s that smell? It’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson cooking up another collaboration.
A new Deadline report says that Johnson and ‘The Smashing Machine’ director, Benny Safdie, will bring ‘Lizard Music’ to life. The summary of the novel on Goodreads says, “When left to take care of himself, a young boy becomes involved with a community of intelligent lizards who tell him of a little-known invasion from outer space.”
The children’s fantasy novel authored by Daniel Pinkwater features a character named “The Chicken Man.” Johnson is attached to play this role.
Dwayne Johnson a ‘Whimsical’ Chicken Man?
In a new clip, Johnson reveals his next project with Safdie. Johnson also explains his reaction to the director’s movie pitch.
“We’re going to make a film called, ‘Lizard Music’,” Johnson said. “Which is based off of a novel written by Daniel Pinkwater. Benny (Safdie) pitched me this after we wrapped ‘The Smashing Machine,’ and after about 45 minutes his pitch ended, and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man’.”
Johnson then reveals who exactly the Chicken Man is (no spoilers).
“Without giving too much away, the role that I will play is a very whimsical and eccentric 70-something year old man called the Chicken Man,” Johnson explained to a room full of press. “And his best friend is a 70-something year old chicken.”
“I’m so excited, because I get a chance to (hopefully) transform again, like I was able to in ‘The Smashing Machine’.”
Dwayne Johnson & Benny Safdie’s ‘The Smashing Machine’ Garnering Acclaim
‘The Smashing Machine’ premiered at the Venice Film Festival, which concluded on September, 6, 2025.
Variety reports that the upcoming film received a “15-minute standing ovation.” They also report that Johnson “sobbed uncontrollably” while those present on the Lido showered the actor with applause.
When they handed out the awards at the conclusion of the Festival, Deadline reports that Safdie won the Silver Lion for “Best Director”. ‘The Smashing Machine’ is Benny Safdie’s solo feature-film directorial debut.
Prior to this film, he made films with his brother, Josh Safdie. Together, they wrote and directed the films ‘Uncut Gems‘ starring Adam Sandler, and ‘Good Time‘ starring Robert Pattinson.
Dwayne Johnson’s Oscar-Worthy Performance
As Johnson mentioned in the above Instagram reel, ‘Lizard Music’ will provide another opportunity for him to transform. His transformation in ‘The Smashing Machine’ is generating Oscar-buzz for the 53-year-old actor.
Nicholas Barber of BBC wrote about Johnson’s performance in his review of the film.
“Johnson’s Hollywood career is built on the impression he gives of being indestructible,” Barber writes. “‘The Smashing Machine’, which premiered at the Venice Film Festival today, is our first opportunity to see that The Rock can crumble.”
“Johnson is impressively vulnerable when Kerr is losing control of his life,” Barber continues. “And scarily unstable when he bickers with his Dawn â and he does plenty of bickering.”
“Don’t be surprised if Johnson is Oscar-nominated.”
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