Dwayne Johnson has found his next major dramatic role, signing on to star in and produce ‘Free Byrd,’ a new action drama from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity.
The film will see Johnson taking on the role of a legendary Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman facing an impossible decision as he battles the early stages of dementia.
According to the official logline, ‘Free Byrd’ follows a motorcycle stunt performer who conceals his dementia diagnosis from everyone around him, including his mechanic brother, while risking everything to complete one final, career-defining jump. The film explores the devastating effects of the disease while celebrating resilience, family, and the importance of seeking help before it is too late.
The official synopsis states that the story “examines and confronts the mind’s vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it’s too late.”
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Acclaimed filmmaker Greg Kwedar will direct the project while also rewriting the screenplay. The original script was written by Jon Boyer and gained recognition after appearing on the prestigious Black List, the annual survey of Hollywood’s most sought-after unproduced screenplays. An earlier draft was penned by ‘The Peanut Butter Falcon’ filmmakers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson.
Academy Award nominee Gil Netter will produce alongside Artists Equity, the studio founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Fifth Season, which previously partnered with Artists Equity on Netflix’s ‘Animals,’ is also producing. Johnson will produce through his Seven Bucks Productions banner, while Kwedar and fellow two-time Academy Award nominee Clint Bentley will produce via Ethos.
No additional casting, production schedule, or release date has yet been announced for ‘Free Byrd.’
