Dwayne Johnson is set to embark on another dramatic role following his acclaimed turn in The Smashing Machine.
The wrestler-turned-movie star has been receiving a lot of praise for his performance in the new A24 biopic. He is now considered to be a Best Actor contender at the next Oscars. Fans have been wondering whether he will be starring in more dramatic films as a result of the new turn in his career.
What is Dwayne Johnson's Next Dramatic Project After The Smashing Machine?
Reports have confirmed that Johnson is collaborating with The Smashing Machine director Benny Safdie in another dramatic project.
The movie, titled Lizard Man, is an adaptation of a Daniel Pinkwater novel and tells the story of a septuagenarian whose best friend is a 70-year-old chicken. Johnson will be playing the "Chicken Man."
Speaking with Variety, Johnson explained how the project came together and how it will be different from his other performances.
"Benny pitched me this after. And after about 45 minutes, this pitch ended and I said, ‘I am your Chicken Man,'" he said.
Johnson also revealed that he has been losing weight in preparation for the role.
"I still have a long ways to go. I’m so excited to get a chance to hopefully transform again, like I was able to do in Smashing Machine. [It means] eating less chicken," he shared.
What is The Smashing Machine About?
The Smashing Machine tells the story of legendary mixed martial arts and UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Benny Safdie wrote and directed the film.
Aside from Johnson, the cast also includes Emily Blunt, Ryan Rader, Bas Rutten, Oleksandr Usyk, and Lyndsey Gavin. The project hails from A24, marking Johnson's first collaboration with the indie powerhouse.
The film is currently slated for release in North American theaters on October 3. It had its world premiere last September 1 at the Venice International Film Festival, where Safdie ended up taking home the Best Director prize.
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