Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie are teaming up again for their next film, this time bringing the quirky character "Chicken Man" to the big screen.
In a hotly contested bidding war, Amazon MGM Studios’ United
Artists and producer Scott Stuber have secured Lizard Music, a film
package with Johnson set to star and Safdie directing. Safdie will also write
the script, which is based on the beloved children’s novel Lizard Music
by Daniel Pinkwater.
The film is being produced by Stuber and Nick Nesbitt for
United Artists, Safdie for Out for the Count Productions, Johnson for Seven
Bucks Productions, and David Koplan for Magnetic Fields Entertainment.
A Fantastical New Adventure
Lizard Music tells the story of a boy who stumbles
upon a mysterious late-night TV broadcast featuring musical lizards. His search
for answers leads him to the eccentric 70-something Chicken Man (played by
Johnson) and his 111-year-old chicken companion, Claudia. Together, they embark
on a surreal journey through a hidden world.
Johnson recently worked with Safdie on A24’s The Smashing
Machine, where he portrayed UFC legend Mark Kerr. Though the film didn’t
perform well at the box office after its recent release, it’s gaining critical
acclaim, especially for Johnson’s transformative performance. The Smashing
Machine was Safdie’s first solo directorial project following his past
collaborations with his brother Josh on films like Good Time and Uncut
Gems.
After a screening of The Smashing Machine at the
Toronto International Film Festival, Johnson shared how Safdie pitched Lizard
Music to him in a 45-minute meeting. “I’m your Chicken Man,” Johnson
reportedly told him after hearing the idea.
Studio and Filmmaker Reactions
Courtenay Valenti, head of film, streaming, and theatrical
at Amazon MGM, expressed her excitement:
“We’re thrilled to be working again with the incredibly talented Dwayne
Johnson, and for the first time with the visionary Benny Safdie. Their
collaboration on The Smashing Machine was deeply inspiring, and we’re
excited to support them as they bring this imaginative and cinematic story to
life. Lizard Music is a unique and timeless tale, and we’re honored to
be their studio partners.”
Producer Scott Stuber added, “I’ve had the chance to work
with both Dwayne and Benny on different projects, and their creative chemistry
is undeniable. Lizard Music is unlike anything either of them has done
before, and we’re all excited to see it come to life.”
“I read Lizard Music to my two sons and we were completely captivated by its imagination and wonder. Daniel Pinkwater is not just a great writer but a great person. The idea of making a movie that invites everyone into the conversation is incredibly exciting. Watching Dwayne transform into the Chicken Man is something I can’t wait for the world to see.”
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