Benny Safdie Excited for Upcoming Collaboration with Dwayne Johnson on ‘Lizard Music’
In an exclusive update from Deadline, filmmaker Benny Safdie has shared his enthusiasm for his next project, "Lizard Music," a collaboration with the iconic Dwayne Johnson. During the red carpet event for A24’s "The Smashing Machine" on Monday, Safdie revealed his heartfelt motivation behind this film: a desire to create a meaningful experience for his two children.
Following the release of their current film, which explores the life of UFC legend Mark Kerr, Safdie expressed his hope that audiences leave the theater feeling inspired and uplifted. "After this movie, if it resonates with you, you’ll walk away feeling fulfilled. It’s a reminder that despite the challenges we face, life is beautiful and full of possibilities," he shared at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills.
With this in mind, Safdie aims to craft a film that sparks conversation and evokes deep emotions in his children. "I want to create something special that we can discuss together and that resonates with them," he added.
"Lizard Music," based on Daniel Pinkwater’s beloved novel, tells the whimsical story of a young boy who stumbles upon a magical island inhabited by sentient lizards who love to play music and have their own television broadcasts. In this enchanting adventure, he teams up with the quirky "Chicken Man," a character portrayed by Dwayne Johnson.
Johnson recently revealed at the Toronto International Film Festival that he is undergoing a physical transformation for this role, describing the Chicken Man as a whimsical and eccentric 70-something-year-old who has an unusual best friend—a 70-something-year-old chicken!
As previously reported, "Lizard Music" is set to be pitched to studios shortly, with Safdie taking on the roles of writer and director, and Johnson leading the cast. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project that promises to blend creativity, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling!
