Lizard Music To Hit Theaters December 25, 2027
Amazon MGM Studios has scheduled the hybrid live-action and animation film for a wide theatrical release.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Animation
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Amazon MGM Studios announced that the film adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's novel Lizard Music will arrive in theaters on December 25, 2027. Directed by Benny Safdie, the movie features a unique hybrid of live-action and CGI animation.
Why it matters
The project reunites director Benny Safdie and star Dwayne Johnson following their collaboration on The Smashing Machine. The film adapts the cult classic story about a boy who stumbles upon a secret broadcast of music-playing lizards.
The production represents a collaborative effort between United Artists, Out for the Count Productions, Seven Bucks Productions, and Magnetic Fields Entertainment. The cast notably includes a diverse ensemble featuring Dwayne Johnson, Alicia Silverstone, Jeff Goldblum, and Rachel McAdams.
The players
Benny Safdie
He is a filmmaker and actor known for directing and writing the script for this adaptation.
Dwayne Johnson
He is a prominent actor and producer who is starring in and producing the film.
Daniel Pinkwater
He is the author of the original novel upon which the movie is based.
Amazon MGM Studios
This is a major film production and distribution entity responsible for the project.
The details
The narrative follows a young boy who discovers a hidden broadcast of lizards that play music. The production relies on a mix of live-action performance and CGI, including a character named Claudia, who is established as a 111-year-old chicken.
Timeline
December 25, 2027: The theatrical release of Lizard Music, Alone at Dawn, and Paris Paramount.
Industry Dynamics
The film joins a highly competitive slate alongside Alone at Dawn and Paris Paramount, both set for the same Christmas Day debut. This crowding reflects ongoing studio strategies to capture family audiences during the year-end holiday window.
Moviegoers can expect to see the film in theaters starting on December 25, 2027. The project will compete for screen space with other major studio releases arriving on the same day.
The takeaway
The project highlights the increasing trend of mixing practical live-action with CGI to bring surreal children's literature to the big screen. Audience members interested in the work of Benny Safdie or Dwayne Johnson should note the film's scheduled holiday debut.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Animation films.
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