Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is once again surprising fans — not with muscle gains, but with a dramatic physical transformation. At the Toronto International Film Festival, the actor revealed he has shed nearly 14 kilograms (30 pounds) for his upcoming film Lizard Music, directed by Benny Safdie.
Meet ‘Chicken Man’
In Lizard Music, Johnson plays a “whimsical, eccentric 70-something-year-old” named Chicken Man — a far cry from his action-hero image. The film, based on Daniel Pinkwater’s novel, follows a septuagenarian whose best friend is a chicken, diving into quirky and surreal territory.
“Benny pitched me this, and after 45 minutes I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man,’” Johnson recalled. The actor, known for Fast & Furious and Jumanji, joked: “It means eating less chicken,” as he continues working toward the physical requirements of the role.
A Bold Career Shift
This marks Johnson’s second collaboration with Safdie, following the buzzed-about sports drama The Smashing Machine, where he portrays troubled MMA fighter Mark Kerr. The film has already sparked Oscar buzz, thanks to Johnson’s vulnerable and gritty performance.
“I felt for a few years that I was pigeonholed because I allowed it to happen,” Johnson admitted. “Smashing Machine is for me.” His recent choices signal a deliberate move away from formulaic blockbusters toward more layered, character-driven roles.
Still Balancing Blockbusters
Though embracing change, Johnson isn’t leaving franchises behind. He confirmed that filming for Jumanji 3, co-starring Kevin Hart, will begin in November.
With Lizard Music and The Smashing Machine, Johnson is proving he’s more than muscle — he’s an actor ready to evolve, take risks, and challenge expectations.
