Action star becomes 70-year-old “Chicken Man”.
Dwayne Johnson is stepping into one of his most unconventional roles yet, reuniting with director Benny Safdie for the fantasy adventure Lizard Music. Known for his commanding presence in action blockbusters, Johnson has undergone a striking transformation to portray an eccentric 70-year-old nicknamed “Chicken Man.” The film, backed by Amazon MGM Studios, is slated for release on December 25, 2027.
Set photos from Brooklyn show Johnson wearing a beige jacket, bucket hat, and tie, with prosthetics significantly altering his appearance. Kazu Hiro, the Oscar-winning specialist behind Tom Cruise’s aged look in Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Digger (2026), crafted the transformation. To embody the character, Johnson shed 30 pounds, joking that the preparation involved “eating less chicken.”
Adapted from Daniel Pinkwater’s 1976 children’s novel, Lizard Music follows a young boy who stumbles upon mysterious lizard musicians on a late-night television broadcast. His discovery leads him to the peculiar Chicken Man, an elderly figure accompanied by a chicken. The film’s ensemble cast, featuring Rachel McAdams, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Alicia Silverstone, and Regina Hall, promises a blend of whimsy and star power.
Safdie, who previously collaborated with Johnson on The Smashing Machine (2025), is venturing into children’s cinema with this project. The director’s reputation for gritty realism makes his shift to fantastical storytelling especially intriguing. Johnson’s willingness to embrace such a radical departure from his usual heroic image underscores his versatility and commitment to challenging roles.
Before audiences meet Chicken Man, Johnson will return to familiar territory this Christmas with Jumanji: Open World (2026), the franchise’s fifth and final instalment. Featuring Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, Awkwafina, Alex Wolff, and Danny DeVito, the film promises a grand conclusion to the beloved series. Earlier this year, Johnson also appeared in Disney’s live-action Moana (2026), reprising his role as Maui in a musical adventure that brought the animated classic to life.
With Lizard Music, Johnson continues to broaden his repertoire, proving that even the most recognisable action star can reinvent himself in unexpected ways. His portrayal of Chicken Man is set to be one of the most talked-about transformations in recent cinema, blending nostalgia, fantasy, and a daring creative leap.
