Raye to Voice Character and Pen Music for Benny Safdie Film Based on 1976 Novel ‘Lizard Music’

British singer-songwriter Raye has been tapped to contribute original music and voice a character in the forthcoming film adaptation of Daniel Pinkwater's 1976 novel, Lizard Music. The project, directed and scripted by Benny Safdie, is slated for theatrical release on December 25, 2027.

Lizard Music is a unique blend of live-action and CGI storytelling that centers on a young boy named Leber. The narrative unfolds as Leber stumbles upon a mysterious late-night radio show featuring lizards performing otherworldly music. His curiosity propels him into an offbeat adventure alongside an eccentric elderly figure known as the Chicken Man and his unusual companion, Claudia, an elderly chicken. Together, they embark on a quest that spans cosmic dimensions.

The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including high-profile names such as Dwayne Johnson, who besides starring also serves as a producer. Other notable talents involved are Theo Leber, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, Arya Parvathi, Regina Hall, Colman Domingo, Jeff Goldblum, Rachel McAdams, David Krumholtz, and Andrew Dice Clay. The production teams behind the film include UA’s Scott Stuber and Nick Nesbitt, Out for the Count Productions led by Safdie, Seven Bucks Productions helmed by Johnson, and Magnetic Fields Entertainment under David Koplan.

Raye's engagement with Lizard Music marks a significant expansion of her artistic repertoire. While she has previously appeared as herself in scripted formats, this collaboration represents her first venture into voicing a character within a narrative film. The opportunity aligns with a broader momentum in her career, coming months after the release of her critically acclaimed second album, This Music May Contain Hope.

In addition to her cinematic involvement, Raye is also developing her acting credentials through a role in Lineage, a crime drama directed by Yann Demange and set in London. This recent casting further signals her growing presence in scripted storytelling mediums.

Musically, Raye’s profile continues to rise, bolstered by the success of her track “Where Is My Husband!” from her latest album. The song has garnered significant attention and is regarded as a strong contender for the Song of the Year category at the upcoming Grammy Awards.

The adaptation of Lizard Music comes with high expectations, given Benny Safdie's reputation for crafting distinctive cinema and the involvement of a star-studded cast and production team. The story’s blend of whimsical fantasy and surreal elements offers a fertile ground for Raye’s original compositions, potentially enriching the film’s atmospheric layers.

Details regarding the scope of Raye’s musical contributions remain limited, but her dual role as composer and voice actor suggests a deep creative involvement. As the film progresses toward its scheduled release, further information on the soundtrack and Raye’s character is anticipated.

Lizard Music’s release at the end of 2027 positions it as a potential holiday season highlight, merging a nostalgic literary source with contemporary filmmaking techniques and a diverse cast. Raye's participation underscores the growing intersections between music and film, especially in projects that employ innovative storytelling methods.

Overall, the collaboration between Raye, Benny Safdie, and a multi-faceted ensemble illustrates a dynamic fusion of talents across music and cinema, promising a distinctive addition to the upcoming film landscape.