Adam Pearson, star of the dark comedy “A Different Man” produced by A24, will take on the main role of Joseph Merrick in an upcoming movie adaptation of Bernard Pomerance’s award-winning play, “The Elephant Man.” The script for this new film has been penned by Moby Pomerance, son of the original author. Production is slated to start in spring 2026.
The plot of Pomerance’s play is based on the diaries of Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick’s physician, and covers the years that Merrick spent at the London Hospital. Throughout his life, Pomerance received countless letters from people all over the world who identified with the character, quoting a famous line from the play: “I am The Elephant Man.
Back in the late ’70s, I was captivated by the widespread acclaim that Pomerance’s play received. This wasn’t just any ordinary success; it was the phenomenal adaptation of the story that took center stage first on the West End in London and later Off-Broadway. Fast forward to the early ’80s, and David Lynch directed a film named “The Elephant Man,” inspired by Merrick’s life. However, it’s essential to note that this cinematic masterpiece didn’t share a direct connection with Pomerance’s play. Intriguingly, there was a legal dispute between the original play’s producers and Brooksfilms, the producers of the film, due to their shared title.
In this upcoming role, Adam Pearson will be the first actor with a disability to portray Joseph Merrick on-screen. Speaking about his part, Pearson stated, “Joseph Merrick has been a person I’ve had a deep and intricate connection with over the years. From hearing his name used as an insult to discovering more about him through documentaries I’ve presented, it’s been a healing journey for me to learn to appreciate and esteem this man whom I once shied away from as a child. Now, as an advocate for disability rights and an actor, there is no greater honor (nor heavier responsibility) than to bring the true tale of Joseph Carey Merrick to life.
Actors such as Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, Billy Crudup, Mark Hamill, Philip Anglum, and David Schofield, who have portrayed Merrick on Broadway and in the West End, join the list of those who have taken on this role. It was originally played by David Schofield in London back in 1977.
Eve Pomerance stated, “My father refused to have prosthetics used during performances because he believed they distracted the audience from the narrative. He wanted viewers to completely empathize with Merrick and recognize themselves in him. Lines like, ‘I am not an animal, I am a man,’ which are closely associated with the play, will resonate more deeply when told by Adam, allowing audiences to truly walk in Merrick’s shoes. My father would be thrilled to see his vision being brought to life.
The film “Elephant Man” is being produced by Stephen Nemeth, through Rhino Films, and Eve Pomerance, for Major Motion Pictures. Adam Pearson is represented by Andrew Roach from DEIversity Talent Management, as well as Victoria Lepper from Victoria Lepper Associates.
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2025-05-01 17:16