Overview

• Adam Pearson, known for his roles in 'A Different Man' and 'Under the Skin,' will lead the upcoming film as Joseph Merrick, marking the first time a disabled actor has portrayed the historical figure on screen.
• The film is based on Bernard Pomerance’s 1977 Tony-winning play, which was inspired by Dr. Frederick Treves’s diaries documenting Merrick’s life in late Victorian London.
• Moby Pomerance, the playwright’s son, is writing the screenplay, aiming to honor the play’s legacy while offering a distinct take from David Lynch’s 1980 film of the same name.
• The production, a collaboration between Rhino Films and Major Motion Pictures, is set to begin filming in spring 2026, with Stephen Nemeth and Eve Pomerance producing.
• Pearson described the role as a deeply personal and meaningful opportunity, reflecting on his journey as a disability advocate and his connection to Merrick’s story.