Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is no stranger to balancing big-screen spectacle with career-defining pivots, and his latest announcement proves he’s entering one of the most dynamic phases of his Hollywood journey yet.
During a recent film festival appearance, Johnson confirmed that filming for Jumanji 3 will officially begin in November, reuniting him once again with longtime collaborator Kevin Hart. The two have struck comedy gold in the franchise, beginning with Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) and Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) which were both global box office juggernauts. With this third installment, Johnson promises more of the thrilling, family-friendly adventure that has become a hallmark of his blockbuster career. “The films that I made in the past, I love them. I’ll go back to making them again…” he shared via Variety.
But Johnson isn’t just leaning into familiar territory. He’s also diving headfirst into uncharted waters with his most transformative role yet: the eccentric Chicken Man in Benny Safdie’s upcoming adaptation of Lizard Music. The project, based on Daniel Pinkwater’s cult novel, follows a whimsical septuagenarian whose best friend is a chicken. For the role, Johnson revealed he is shedding significant muscle mass after previously bulking up for his performance in The Smashing Machine. “I still have a long way to go,” he admitted, acknowledging the dramatic lifestyle shift.
Johnson described Safdie’s vision as instantly compelling: “And after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man’”. With Lizard Music, Johnson is intentionally stretching beyond his action-hero archetype to embrace characters that challenge his range and redefine his narrative as an actor.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Johnson candidly noted: “I felt for a few years, I was pigeonholed because I allowed it to happen”. His recent projects, including The Smashing Machine and now Lizard Music, signal a renewed commitment to versatility, proving that Johnson is no longer satisfied with playing it safe.
Still, fans of his blockbuster persona need not worry. Johnson emphasized that while transformative performances are an exciting new chapter, big tentpole projects like Jumanji 3 remain firmly on his slate. From jungle adventures to eccentric character studies, Dwayne Johnson is charting a career that blends box office power with unexpected artistry. If one thing is clear, it’s that Hollywood’s hardest-working star is only just getting started.
