Dwayne Johnson Transforms for Lizard Music Ahead of 2027 Release

Dwayne Johnson has adopted a dramatically different appearance for Lizard Music, an upcoming film directed by Benny Safdie, as production continues in New York. The actor was spotted filming scenes on October 20 with curly gray hair, a matching beard, and vintage-inspired clothing for his role as the eccentric Chicken Man.

Amazon MGM has scheduled the film's release for December 25, 2027, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Safdie wrote and directed the adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's novel, which follows a boy who discovers a mysterious late-night broadcast featuring music-playing lizards.

Johnson's costume includes a tan overcoat, blue shirt, patterned tie, tan slacks, sneakers, and a bucket hat. The transformation replaces the actor's familiar bald appearance with gray curls and facial hair designed for his character.

Johnson also discussed the production on Instagram, describing the opportunity to film in New York City as a personal milestone. He noted that the shoot includes locations across the city, including Coney Island, and expressed appreciation for working with Safdie in the director's hometown.

"This week we shoot in the NYC streets, and at Coney Island, filming @bowedtie Benny Safdie's 'Lizard Music,'" Johnson wrote on Instagram.

The actor explained that the production marks his first starring film shot in New York City. He also praised Safdie's connection to the city and described the movie as a tribute to New York.

"I've never shot a film in NYC that I've starred in. A first for me and a real honor. Benny is truly New York's son and it's been so cool seeing him back home and in his hood, as we shoot our love letter to NYC." Johnson wrote on Instagram.

The story centers on a boy whose discovery of the unusual broadcast leads him into an adventure involving a hidden society. During his search for answers, he encounters Chicken Man, a quirky septuagenarian portrayed by Johnson, and Claudia, his 111-year-old chicken companion.

The cast also includes Regina Hall, Colman Domingo, Rachel McAdams, Jeff Goldblum, Alicia Silverstone, Theo Clark Leber, Tim Heidecker, Arya Parvathi, Andrew Dice Clay, and David Krumholtz.

Johnson's new look contrasts with his appearance at Disney's D23 event in California on August 16. At the event, he wore an all-white outfit and round, rimless glasses and received the Disney Legends award.

In an interview with People, Johnson discussed how his two younger daughters, Jasmine, 10, and Tiana, 8, reacted to the recognition. The actor shares both daughters with his wife, Lauren Hashian, and has an older daughter, Simone, 25, with his ex-wife, Dany Garcia.

"They said, 'Congratulations, Daddy, you're a Disney legend. What does it mean?'" Johnson said.

Johnson recounted how he responded to his daughters' question about the award's significance.

"And I sent them back a video, and I was like, 'It means we get free tickets to Disney for life.'" Johnson said.