Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and acclaimed filmmaker Benny Safdie are once again collaborating on a new movie, “Lizard Music,” which has been acquired by Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists. This imaginative adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s novel will see Johnson take on a transformative role as the eccentric “Chicken Man,” promising a unique cinematic experience for audiences.
In a significant move for Hollywood’s evolving landscape, the highly anticipated film ‘Lizard Music,’ starring Dwayne Johnson and directed by Benny Safdie, has officially landed at Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists. This marks the second collaboration between the action superstar and the acclaimed filmmaker, following their work on ‘The Smashing Machine.’ The acquisition, secured in a competitive situation by UA and Scott Stuber, underscores Amazon MGM’s commitment to diverse and compelling storytelling.
The Whimsical World of ‘Lizard Music’
Based on the beloved novel by Daniel Pinkwater, ‘Lizard Music’ promises a fantastical journey unlike anything Johnson or Safdie have tackled before. The story centers on a young boy who discovers a hidden world through a late-night broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music. His quest for answers leads him to the peculiar 70-year-old “Chicken Man”—a role Johnson is set to embody—and his extraordinary 111-year-old chicken companion, Claudia.
Director Benny Safdie expressed his deep connection to the source material, stating he read Pinkwater’s novel to his two sons. “We were riveted by its imagination and wonder,” Safdie shared, emphasizing his excitement for creating a movie that “everyone can join the conversation” in, as reported by Variety. The narrative evolves from a hunt for a secret society into a profound voyage through invisible worlds and the unbreakable bonds formed between lost souls.
A New Chapter for Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie
This project represents a fascinating artistic pivot for both Johnson and Safdie. For Dwayne Johnson, known globally as “The Rock” from his WWE career and his string of blockbuster action films like the ‘Fast and Furious’ franchise and ‘Jungle Cruise,’ ‘Lizard Music’ offers another opportunity to showcase his dramatic range. His previous film with Safdie, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ saw him transform into MMA fighter Mark Kerr, earning him considerable Oscar buzz.
The commitment to authenticity for ‘Lizard Music’ is already evident in Johnson’s physical transformation. Having bulked up by 30 lbs for ‘The Smashing Machine,’ Johnson has since been on a strict diet to portray the leaner, Clint Eastwood-esque “Chicken Man.” He revealed during interviews that he’s “happy to not be carrying all the weight,” indicating his dedication to the character’s unique physique.
For Benny Safdie, renowned for his intense, character-driven work like ‘Uncut Gems’ (which he co-directed with his brother Josh), and his acting turns in films such as ‘Oppenheimer,’ ‘Lizard Music’ offers a chance to explore a more whimsical, family-friendly yet deeply imaginative narrative. His enthusiasm for seeing Johnson “transform and become the Chicken Man is just beyond,” as he expressed to Variety.
Amazon MGM Studios: A Consolidating Powerhouse
The acquisition of ‘Lizard Music’ by Amazon MGM Studios’ United Artists further solidifies Amazon’s growing footprint in the entertainment industry. Amazon MGM Studios itself is a relatively new entity, officially taking its current name on October 3, 2023, following Amazon’s monumental $8.45 billion acquisition of MGM Holdings in May 2021, as detailed by Variety. This merger brought iconic brands like Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Orion Pictures, and American International Pictures under the Amazon umbrella.
While United Artists Releasing, a former joint distribution venture, was shut down in March 2023, the continued use of “United Artists” as an imprint within Amazon MGM Studios indicates a strategic decision to leverage the legacy of the historic label for specific projects. This allows Amazon MGM to distribute films under a recognized banner while streamlining its overall operations, which include divisions like Prime Movies and Amazon MGM Studios Distribution. The studio, headquartered in Culver City, California, has become a major employer in the region, reflecting its significant investment in film and television production.
The Future of Storytelling under Amazon MGM Studios
The landing of ‘Lizard Music’ at Amazon MGM Studios exemplifies the studio’s broader strategy to attract top-tier talent and distinctive projects. Producers for the film include Scott Stuber, Nick Nesbitt for UA, Benny Safdie for his Out for the Count Productions, Dwayne Johnson for his Seven Bucks Productions, and David Koplan for Magnetic Fields Entertainment. Courtenay Valenti, Head of Film, Streaming and Theatrical for Amazon MGM, underscored the studio’s excitement, noting that they are “deeply inspired by their previous collaboration on the critically acclaimed ‘The Smashing Machine.’“
As the entertainment industry continues its shift towards streaming-first models, Amazon MGM Studios is positioned to be a formidable player. The combination of MGM’s extensive library with Amazon’s production capabilities and global distribution through Amazon Prime Video ensures that films like ‘Lizard Music’ will reach a massive audience. Fans of both Dwayne Johnson’s evolving career and Benny Safdie’s visionary storytelling can anticipate a truly imaginative and entertaining cinematic experience from this new partnership.
