Lizard Music

Lizard Music
Directed byBenny Safdie
Screenplay by
Based on
Lizard Music
by Daniel Pinkwater
Produced by
Starring
CinematographyMaceo Bishop
Music byRaye
Production
companies
Distributed byAmazon MGM Studios
Release date
  • December 25, 2027 (2027-12-25)
Country
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

Lizard Music is an upcoming American fantasy adventure film directed by Benny Safdie, and based on the book of the same name by Daniel Pinkwater. It stars Dwayne Johnson, Theo Clark Leber, Tim Heidecker, Alicia Silverstone, Regina Hall, and Andrew Dice Clay, with the voices of Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, David Krumholtz, and Raye.

Premise

A boy stumbles upon a secret late-night broadcast of lizards playing otherworldly music.

Cast

Additionally, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, David Krumholtz, and Raye have been cast in voice roles.

Production

In September 2025, it was announced that Dwayne Johnson and Benny Safdie would reunite to work on an adaptation of Lizard Music, after working together on The Smashing Machine. Johnson recalled telling Safdie, "I'm your Chicken Man," after the film was pitched to him, and lost a lot of weight for the role. In October 2025, Amazon MGM Studios acquired rights to the project under its United Artists label, with Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt joining as producers. In July 2026, newcomers Theo Clark Leber and Arya Parvathi joined the cast, alongside Tim Heidecker, Alicia Silverstone and Regina Hall, the latter playing a friend and co-worker of Chicken Man. In September, Andrew Dice Clay was added to the cast. In October, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, David Krumholtz, and Raye were added to the cast in voice roles, with Raye also composing original music for the film.

Principal photography began on August 3, 2026 and wrapped on October 23, 2026 in Brooklyn, NY at Coney Island/Brighton Beach. Maceo Bishop served as the cinematographer. To transform into a 70-year-old man, Johnson underwent five hours of makeup and prosthetic work per day.

Release

Lizard Music is scheduled to be released in the United States on December 25, 2027.

References

  1. ↑ Fleming Jr., Mike (September 8, 2025). "'The Smashing Machine' Duo Benny Safdie & Dwayne Johnson To Reteam On Hot Package 'Lizard Music:' The Dish". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
  2. ↑ Vlessing, Etan (September 8, 2025). "Dwayne Johnson Says He Told Benny Safdie "I'm Your Chicken Man" for 'Lizard Music' Movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  3. ↑ Andersson, Eric; Smart, Jack (September 8, 2025). "Dwayne Johnson Says He's 'in the Process of Slimming Down' for a Role: 'Still Have a Long Ways to Go'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  4. ↑ Kroll, Justin (October 16, 2025). "United Artists Lands 'Lizard Music' Package Reuniting 'Smashing Machine's Dwayne Johnson And Benny Safdie". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
  5. ↑ Grobar, Matt (July 20, 2026). "10-Year-Old Theo Clark Leber Lands Lead Role Opposite Dwayne Johnson In Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music' For Amazon MGM & United Artists". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 22, 2026.
  6. ↑ Grobar, Matt (July 23, 2026). "Alicia Silverstone & Tim Heidecker Latest To Join Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music'". Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  7. ↑ Kroll, Justin (July 27, 2026). "Regina Hall Joins Dwayne Johnson In Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music' Movie From United Artists And Amazon MGM Studios". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 27, 2026.
  8. ↑ Shanfeld, Ethan (July 31, 2026). "Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music' With Dwayne Johnson Adds Newcomer Arya Parvathi (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 3, 2026.
  9. ↑ Grobar, Matt (September 14, 2026). "Andrew Dice Clay Latest To Join Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 14, 2026.
  10. ↑ Gomez, Dessi (October 15, 2026). "Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams & David Krumholtz Join Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music' In Voice Roles". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
  11. ↑ Kroll, Justin (October 30, 2026). "Raye To Compose Original Music And Voice A Character For Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music' At United Artists". Retrieved October 30, 2026.
  12. ↑ Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson coming back to Atlanta for ‘Lizard Music’ film
  13. ↑ Maceo Bishop Resume
  14. ↑ Dwayne Johnson Describes ‘Lizard Music’ As “‘Willy Wonka’ From The Mind Of Benny Safdie,” Details 5-Hour Makeup Process To Play 70-Year-Old — D23
  15. ↑ D'Alessansro, Anthony (October 19, 2026). "'Lizard Music' Starring Dwayne Johnson And Directed By Benny Safdie To Tune Up Christmas Day 2027 Via Amazon MGM". Deadline. Retrieved October 20, 2026.