Dwayne Johnson has provided a new update on Lizard Music, confirming that the upcoming film has entered production. The actor also revealed the demanding process behind his transformation for the project, which requires several hours of makeup each day. Johnson is reuniting with filmmaker Benny Safdie for the film, marking another collaboration between the two.
Dwayne Johnson’s Lizard Music has begun filming
Dwayne Johnson has confirmed that production is underway on Lizard Music, reuniting him with filmmaker Benny Safdie for their next project. Speaking with Deadline at D23, Johnson revealed that filming had entered its second week and discussed the demanding transformation he is undergoing for the role.
Johnson is playing a man in his 70s and said the character requires an extensive prosthetic transformation. He said, “We’re in full production. It’s called Lizard Music, I’m with Benny Safdie again. That’s my guy. Imagine Willy Wonka but from the mind of Benny Safdie.”
Johnson added, “And I play a septuagenarian man. Now, I didn’t know what the hell that meant. So, I had to Google it, it means you’re in your 70s. So, we transform, and it’s five hours of makeup every day. We’re with Kazu Hiro, who is a legend in Hollywood. He was also nominated for Smashing Machine, for our prosthetics, and he is helping me transform.”
The actor said the early stages of filming have already made the project a significant experience. “So far, we’re in our second week, and it has already been an unbelievable experience,” Johnson said. “It’s that thing I was telling the kids, ‘Run towards that thing.’ This is that thing that I ran towards and chased the challenge, and this was a challenge for me,” he added.
Johnson also spoke about his relationship with Safdie and his enthusiasm for their latest collaboration. “I love Benny, he’s one of my best friends and most embraced collaborators, so I can’t wait for you to see it,” he said.
The film is based on Daniel Pinkwater’s novel of the same name. Safdie is directing the live-action, which stars Johnson as the Chicken Man. An official release date for Lizard Music has not yet been announced.
Originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari for Coming Soon.
