Dwayne Johnson, widely known for his muscular physique, has slimmed down significantly to portray a whimsical 70-something-year-old man in his latest film project. The announcement came during the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, where Johnson shared insight into the physical change he underwent to assume this unconventional character.
The former wrestler, who has starred in numerous action-packed blockbusters, revealed that this body transformation is part of his collaboration with director Benny Safdie on a new film titled Lizard Music, adapted from Daniel Pinkwater’s novel.
Unique Storyline Features an Unusual Friendship
Johnson described his role as “the Chicken Man,” an eccentric, elderly character whose closest companion is a 70-something-year-old chicken named Claudia. The film follows the story of a boy who discovers a secret broadcast featuring lizards playing strange, otherworldly music. This discovery opens a door to a hidden realm, setting off an extraordinary adventure.
Together, the boy, the Chicken Man, and Claudia embark on a journey to uncover a mysterious society of lizards, which soon becomes a larger exploration of invisible worlds beyond ordinary perception.
Collaboration with Benny Safdie Continues
Johnson and Safdie previously worked together on The Smashing Machine, a sports drama centered on MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival and later appeared at TIFF, where Johnson promoted the film. His physical transformation for that role was well received, and Johnson expressed enthusiasm for challenging himself anew with this latest project.
“It’s out there now, big news is I’m teaming up with [director] Benny Safdie again and we’re gonna make a film called Lizard Music, which is based off of a novel written by Daniel Pinkwater,”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“A little bit of backstory for you guys here is Benny 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,'”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“Now what that means is, 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, and his best friend is a 70-something-year-old chicken.”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“So that will be my next role [with] Benny Safdie,”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
“And, again, I’m so excited because I get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do with Smashing Machine.”
—Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Looking Ahead to a New Chapter in Johnson’s Career
With this fresh role, Dwayne Johnson is stepping outside his familiar typecasting to explore a more reflective and imaginative character, which signals an exciting shift in his career. The film’s blend of fantastical elements and heartfelt storytelling, combined with Johnson’s physical and emotional transformation, is expected to resonate with audiences seeking unique cinematic experiences.
The collaboration with Benny Safdie and adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s novel promises a distinct departure from Johnson’s previous work, potentially opening doors for further experimental roles in the future.
