Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is undergoing a surprising body transformation for his latest acting role — this time not to bulk up, but to slim down.
Fresh off critical acclaim for his physical transformation in The Smashing Machine, where he portrayed MMA fighter Mark Kerr, Johnson has revealed that he is losing weight to play a whimsical 70-year-old man nicknamed Chicken Man in the upcoming film Lizard Music.
A Radical Transformation
“I still have a long way to go,” Johnson admitted in an interview, explaining that his latest role requires a completely different look and energy.
“I’m so excited to get a chance to hopefully transform again like I was able to do in Smashing Machine,” he said. “This time it means eating less chicken.”
Unlike his action-hero characters in blockbuster hits such as Fast Five and Jumanji, Johnson’s new role pushes him into unfamiliar territory — portraying an eccentric septuagenarian whose best friend is a 70-year-old chicken.
The Film and Its Vision
Lizard Music, directed by Benny Safdie (who also helmed The Smashing Machine), is an adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater’s classic novel. The story revolves around a quirky old man and his chicken companion, exploring themes of friendship, imagination, and identity.
For Johnson, the project marks yet another opportunity to subvert his action-star image. After years of being typecast as a muscular tough guy, he is now embracing roles that challenge his versatility.
“I felt for a few years, I was pigeonholed because I allowed it to happen,” Johnson confessed. “Smashing Machine is for me, and so is this.”
Industry Buzz
With The Smashing Machine already generating Oscar buzz for Johnson, industry insiders say Lizard Music could further cement his reputation as a serious, transformative actor capable of more than just action-packed spectacle.
