Dwayne Johnson appears set to showcase a new side of himself as he takes on the role of an elderly man named The Chicken Man in his upcoming film, “Lizard Music.” The actor, widely known for his muscular physique, has been photographed looking decidedly different while filming in Coney Island, Brooklyn, on 20 October 2026.
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In his latest project, Johnson, 54, is collaborating once again with director Benny Safdie, with whom he previously worked on “The Smashing Machine.” This time, he stars alongside young actor Theo Clark Leber, who portrays a key character in the film. Johnson’s transformation for the role has been remarkable; he has exchanged his usual toned appearance for the image of an older man, complete with grey hair and stubble.
On set, Johnson was dressed in a tan bucket hat and a matching coat layered over a blue shirt and grey trousers, complete with a blue tie. His character is depicted with age spots, earrings and even holding a slice of pizza in one scene—an image quite different from his usual action hero branding.
“Lizard Music” draws inspiration from a whimsical children’s book of the same name written by Daniel Pinkwater. The film’s storyline follows Leber’s character, a young boy who accidentally discovers a peculiar late-night broadcast featuring lizards performing enchanting music. As the young protagonist searches for understanding, he encounters the Chicken Man and his elderly companion, a chicken named Claudia. The narrative promises to explore themes of connection across generations.
The cast of “Lizard Music” is impressive, featuring a range of well-known names such as Alicia Silverstone, Colman Domingo, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Goldblum, and Tim Heidecker. This ensemble adds to the anticipation surrounding the project, which is expected to offer a unique blend of humour and heartwarming moments.
Johnson’s decision to take on this eccentric role marks a change in direction for the actor, who is often associated with action and drama. At the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm about working with Safdie again, and shared that he was adjusting his physique for this new performance. “This is me slimmed down,” he admitted last September, highlighting that he was in the process of losing weight for “Lizard Music.”
In discussing his character, he mentioned, ”I play a very whimsical and eccentric 70-something-year-old man called the Chicken Man. His best friend is a 70-something-year-old chicken.” This peculiar premise elicited laughter and interest from the festival audience, marking a departure from his typical roles.
As the filming progresses, Johnson’s commitment to transformation showcases not only his versatility as an actor but also his willingness to explore unconventional narratives. The audience can expect character-driven storytelling that differs from the high-octane action sequences that Johnson is often known for.
Fans of Dwayne Johnson can look forward to “Lizard Music,” which is set for release on Christmas Day, 25 December 2027, under the banner of Amazon MGM Studios. With the intriguing premise and a stellar cast, the film is poised to delight audiences and showcase a different facet of the beloved star.