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Dwayne Johnson Sets Safdie Reunion on ‘Lizard Music,’ Slims Down to Play the ‘Chicken Man’

The Pinkwater adaptation remains in early development as Johnson pivots off Venice acclaim for The Smashing Machine.

Dwayne Johnson stars in the new biopic "The Smashing Machine."
A still from 'The Smashing Machine'

Overview

  • At TIFF, Johnson said he is "in the process of slimming down" to portray the septuagenarian Chicken Man in Lizard Music.
  • He recounted Benny Safdie’s pitch after The Smashing Machine and replied, "I am your Chicken Man," confirming their immediate reunion.
  • The film adapts Daniel Pinkwater’s 1976 novel, with reports describing the role as whimsical and eccentric and the character’s closest companion as a 70‑year‑old chicken.
  • Coverage notes the project is in development without a studio attached, and no production or release dates have been announced.
  • The Smashing Machine earned Safdie the Silver Lion at Venice and a lengthy ovation for Johnson; A24 opens it Oct. 3, and Johnson says Jumanji 3 starts filming in November.