Exciting Casting News: Dylan O’Brien Joins Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo in Apple’s ‘Being Heumann’
Dylan O’Brien, known for his upcoming film Twinless, is set to star in the highly anticipated Apple adaptation of Judy Heumann’s bestselling memoir, Being Heumann. This inspiring film, directed by CODA Oscar winner Siân Heder, features O’Brien in the role of Evan White, one of the few journalists documenting the pivotal disability rights protests in San Francisco.
Ruth Madeley takes on the title role of Judy Heumann, while Mark Ruffalo portrays Joseph Califano, the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter. Califano initially hesitated to support civil rights legislation aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Being Heumann chronicles Heumann’s courageous leadership as she spearheads a takeover of the San Francisco Federal Building, igniting a 28-day sit-in in 1977. This remarkable protest brought together over a hundred disabled individuals, who stood united until the government enforced Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, mandating accessibility in all federal spaces.
The film is produced by Apple Studios, with Heder directing from a screenplay co-written with Rebekah Taussig. Producers include David Permut of Permut Presentations and Kevin Walsh of The Walsh Company, both of whom are involved in overall deals with Apple. Additionally, Heumann’s managers, John W. Beach and Kevin Cleary from Gravity Squared Entertainment, will also contribute as producers. Executive producers include Heumann, co-author Kristen Joiner, Diana Pokorny, and Jim Lebrecht.
At this year’s Sundance Film Festival, O’Brien made waves with the dark comedy Twinless, where he served as both executive producer and star. The film won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, and it has since been acquired by Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions, set for theatrical release on September 5.
In addition to Being Heumann, O’Brien has exciting projects lined up, including the 2024 Sundance drama Ponyboi, which will hit select theaters on June 27, and the horror film Send Help, directed by Sam Raimi and starring Rachel McAdams. With a recent acclaimed performance as Dan Aykroyd in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night and a nomination for a Gotham Television Award for his role in the M. Night Shyamalan-produced Caddo Lake, O’Brien’s star continues to rise. He is represented by WME, Principal Entertainment, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.
Stay tuned for more updates on Being Heumann and Dylan O’Brien’s upcoming projects!
