Raye Reels in Lizard Music role
Get ready to tune in, because the worlds of indie cinema and music are about to collide in a surprisingly bizarre and brilliant new project. RAYE is set to dive into the world of surreal sound and visual artistry, lending her voice and original pictures to Benny Safdie’s upcoming film, Lizard Music.
This live action and CGI hybrid is shaping up to be an absolute spectacle, slated for release on December 25, 2027, distributed by United Artists. The story itself is rooted in the 1976 novel by Daniel Pinkwater, promising a cinematic journey that is as imaginative as it is strange.
The cast list alone is a powerhouse, bringing together a constellation of talent. It features names like Dwayne Johnson, Theo Leber, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, Regina Hall, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, and Andrew Dice Clay, alongside a bevy of other stars. This ensemble includes familiar faces who have recently shared creative spaces, such as Johnson and Safdie’s previous collaboration on The Smashing Machine.
The narrative premise of Lizard Music is delightfully absurd. It centers on a young boy, played by Theo Leber, who stumbles upon a secret late-night broadcast where lizards are playing peculiar music. His quest to uncover the source of these strange tunes leads him on an adventure, teaming up with Johnson’s iconic Chicken Man in a hunt for the mysterious melody.
Filming for the project was reportedly a fascinating experience, taking place in the vibrant setting of Brooklyn’s Coney Island neighborhood. Director Benny Safdie reportedly demanded five hours of makeup and prosthetic application daily from the cast, adding a layer of gritty, hands-on charm to the production.
While the cinematic adventure unfolds, music powerhouse RAYE is also making waves on the global stage. Her recent album, This Music May Contain Hope, secured her a well-deserved Mercury Prize and was her first album to hit the U.K. chart. RAYE has cemented her status as a songwriting force, setting a Brit Awards record in 2024 by winning six honors, including the coveted Songwriter of the Year award.
Now, RAYE is ready to expand her artistic vision internationally. She is preparing to bring this musical magic to the world next year with the project This Symphony May Contain Hope. Live From Seven World Wonders>, details of which are still being finalized. Whether through screen or sound, RAYE is clearly dedicated to creating immersive, hopeful, and unforgettable experiences for audiences worldwide.