Dramatic Dwayne
Last year, Dwayne Johnson underwent a change from his usual big-budget action spectacles to star in an A24 character drama biopic from director Benny Safdie. The Smashing Machine saw Johnson change his look and mannerisms to become MMA fighter Mark Kerr and Johnson garnered much praise for his performance. Johnson made it clear that while it looked like he was exploring bolder projects outside of his usual fare, he was not making a complete career change and this Christmas, you can catch him in Jumanji: Open World.
Free Byrd
After working with Safdie on The Smashing Machine, the two are already set to reunite on another project called Lizard Music. Now, Variety is reporting that Johnson has lined up another dramatic film called Free Byrd from Greg Kwedar, the director of Sing Sing. Per Variety, the movie is about Johnson “as a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who conceals his dementia diagnosis from everyone, including his mechanic brother, as he risks everything on one last jump.” The film, the official logline explains that the film “examines and confronts the mind’s vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it’s too late.”
In addition to directing, Kwedar will also rework the screenplay, which was originally written by Jon Boyer and further drafts by The Peanut Butter Falcon writer-directors Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson.
Johnson spoke on the project, “Free Byrd is a gift in many ways. Emblematic of life’s sacred beauty, as well as life’s harsh and callous reality. The subject matter of ‘Free Byrd’ has become deeply personal to Greg Kwedar and myself as we’ve started to unpack this fateful journey together. Artists Equity have been incredible filmmaking and artistic partners, who not only share Greg’s vision for the film, but who are all connected to our story in their own unique and personal ways. When the mind of a loved one begins to slip away, life sure takes on a whole new meaning.”
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon will also be producing through their Artists Equity production company. Damon and Affleck have stated, “This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally. Greg is one of the most exciting writer-directors working today, and Dwayne is an extraordinary talent and person. We are extremely excited that they have chosen to make this with us and very much look forward to sharing the finished film with audiences.”
Johnson’s Post
Johnson commented further on the project by posting the news on his Instagram with a caption that reads, “I’ve come to realize a few things in life.
One of them is how deeply soul stirring, and heart aching this disease is as it grips so many of us. I’ve realized that it’s our most profound test of grace, to watch our loved one, slip away. And despite how protective, caring and loving our hands are, there’s nothing we can do. Except keep them as happy as we can. For as long as we can.
My journey with writer/director @gkwedar has already been life changing. A deepening bond through the experience of this disease, that will live far beyond this film. Thank you brother.”
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