Adam Pearson is making history twice over. The “A Different Man” star and “Under the Skin” breakout actor is set to lead the film adaptation of Bernard Pomerance’s Tony-winning play “The Elephant Man.” Pearson will be the first differently abled actor to star as Joseph Merrick; this also will be the first film version of Pomerance’s play. (David Lynch’s 1980 film of the same name was based on Merrick’s life but had no direct relation to the play, and actually led to a lawsuit over the title.)
Variety first reported Pearson’s casting.
“Joseph Merrick is a man I have a long and complex relationship with,” Pearson said in a statement. “From having his name used as a term of derision to learning about the man himself in documentaries I’ve presented. It’s been a cathartic journey of growing to love and respect a man who I as a child I avoided even thinking about. Now as a disability advocate and actor, I can think of no greater honor (yet heavy responsibility) than to tell the true story of Joseph Carey Merrick.”
“The Elephant Man” will be written by playwright Pomerance’s son, Moby Pomerance. The shoot will begin in spring 2026.
Eve Pomerance, who is producing the film, added, “My father never wanted prosthetics to be used on stage as he felt it took the audience out of the story. He wanted them to empathize fully with Merrick, to see themselves in him. Lines like, ‘I am not an animal, I am a man’ which have become synonymous with the play, will take on greater meaning with Adam telling this story and enable the audience to finally stand in Merrick’s shoes. My father would be beyond excited to see his dream becoming a reality.”
“The Elephant Man” is based on the diaries of Dr. Frederick Treves, who was Merrick’s physician. The play spans Merrick’s time at the London Hospital. The play first ran on the West End in London in 1977. Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, Billy Crudup, Mark Hamill, Philip Anglum, and David Schofield have all portrayed Merrick onstage.
“The Elephant Man” will be produced by Stephen Nemeth for Rhino Films and Eve Pomerance for Major Motion Pictures.
