Dwayne Johnson is preparing for a physical transformation for his new role.
The famous actor will collaborate again with director Benny Safdie for a completely new and unusual project. The next film is titled Lizard Music and is based on the novel by author Daniel Pinkwater.
The news was announced by the actor himself during a panel at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival. Johnson revealed that in this film he will play a completely different character than what we are used to seeing, an eccentric man in his 70s with the name/nickname "Chicken Man."
"His best friend is... a chicken," he added to laughter from the audience.
"I'm very excited because I have the opportunity to transform again, like I did in Smashing Machine. I can't wait," said the actor, considering the role an artistic and physical challenge.
Dwayne Johnson Says Weight Loss Is For New Acting Role; He's Playing a 70-Year-Old Man Whose Best Friend Is a Chicken: 'I Still Have a Long Way to Go' https://t.co/LiUqrq4T2l
— Variety (@Variety) September 8, 2025
To get into the special character he'll be playing, Dwayne Johnson has already begun a weight loss regimen. He humorously said he's at a stage where he's "eating less chicken" to get into the shape required for the role.
"I still have a long way to go," he added, emphasizing his commitment to this new project.
This role marks another step away from his traditional image as an action actor and shows a willingness to experiment with different roles than we've seen him in before.
