Jack Huston to Direct Biopic on Elephant Man Joseph Merrick

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I’m stepping into a new role, swapping my acting gigs for the director’s chair – yes, it’s me, your friendly neighborhood gamer. I’ve been tapped to helm a biopic about an extraordinary figure from history: Joseph Merrick, the artist known as The Elephant Man from the Victorian Era. Can’t wait to bring this story to life!

Phoenix Pictures is supporting the movie named “Joseph Merrick“, and it will be produced by Kate Cohen, Mike Medavoy, David Dobkin, and Huston, who will all contribute to its production.

Production is looking to start later this year.

In my gaming world, I find myself often drawn to the captivating tale of a man named Merrick. This extraordinary individual lived a life that echoed far beyond his time. Born with severe deformities, he was exploited as a circus sideshow attraction during his teenage years and became a curiosity for London’s high society, as well as a subject of interest for scientific communities. Yet, Merrick was more than just a spectacle; he was an artist whose work transcended the boundaries of his sometimes limited existence.

The story of this remarkable man was brought to life by the visionary director, David Lynch, in the 1980 Oscar-nominated biopic, The Elephant Man, with John Hurt portraying Merrick on screen. His tale has been immortalized in countless books, shows, plays, and even an opera.

Based on what the creators have shared, the production of “Joseoseph Merrick” is expected to provide a unique and powerfully emotional insight into Merrick’s extraordinary life, revealing the hidden tale that lies beneath the legend. Nick Yarborough penned the script.

Ever since I first learned about Joseph Merrick’s extraordinary life, filled with unthinkable hardships but also remarkable kindness, resilience, and fortitude, I’ve been captivated. His tale serves as a powerful reminder of our inherent capacity for love, empathy, and determination in the face of adversity. I’m profoundly thankful for this chance to delve deeper into lesser-known aspects of Joseph’s astonishing journey, and I feel privileged to work alongside such a dedicated and passionate team.

The movie focuses on Merrick’s last few months, delving into his remarkable journey of transformation and the unforeseen, soul-stirring relationships he encounters. Producers claim that as Merrick experiences genuine human interactions, the film will highlight the deep, frequently underestimated elements of his story, causing viewers to reconsider their understanding of his life and enduring impact.

Medavoy stated, “For everyone involved in this project, it has been a heartfelt endeavor, and we’ve been unyielding in our pursuit of the ideal director to breathe life into Joseph Merrick’s tale. The instant I watched Jack Huston’s ‘Day of the Fight’, I recognized him as the ideal candidate to narrate this story. What excites me immensely is that Jack’s perspective on this narrative resonates with me similarly to how Milos Forman’s did when we collaborated on ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’. I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of excitement about the depth, humor, and compassion for humanity that he will infuse into this production.

In the upcoming series “Spider-Noir,” starring alongside Nicolas Cage, you’ll find Huston. Known for his roles in “Fargo” (Season 4) and “House of Gucci,” he previously made his directorial debut with the boxing drama, “Day of the Fight.” This film, which he also wrote and produced, premiered at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, garnering numerous awards for Huston during its festival run.

Huston is repped by CAA, 111 Media and Johnson Shapiro.

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2025-03-11 20:25