London, England — Adam Pearson, known for his role in A24’s “A Different Man,” will portray Joseph Merrick in an upcoming film adaptation of Bernard Pomerance’s acclaimed play, “The Elephant Man.” The screenplay is being penned by Moby Pomerance, Bernard’s son, with production set to commence in spring 2026.
The adaptation draws inspiration from Dr. Frederick Treves’ diaries, chronicling his experiences with Merrick at the London Hospital. Merrick, often referred to as “The Elephant Man,” has resonated deeply with audiences, evidenced by the thousands of letters Pomerance received from individuals around the world, many expressing solidarity with the character’s plight.
Pomerance’s play first took the stage in London’s West End in 1977 and later garnered attention Off-Broadway. In 1980, director David Lynch released a film also titled “The Elephant Man,” depicting Merrick’s life without direct ties to the play. This led to a lawsuit from the original play’s producers against Lynch’s production company for the shared title.
Pearson’s casting marks a historical moment, as he will be the first actor with a disability to take on the iconic role of Joseph Merrick on screen. Reflecting on his connection to the character, Pearson stated that his journey to understand Merrick evolved from childhood misconceptions to an advocacy for disability awareness. “It’s a heavy responsibility and an incredible honor to share the true story of Joseph Carey Merrick,” he remarked.
Other notable figures who have brought Merrick to life on stage include actors such as Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, and Billy Crudup, with David Schofield first originating the role in the 1977 production. Each actor’s portrayal has contributed to the enduring legacy of Merrick’s story, illustrating its profound impact across generations.
Eve Pomerance emphasized her father’s vision for the stage, expressing that he preferred avoiding prosthetics to ensure that audiences could fully empathize with Merrick’s experience. “Lines like ‘I am not an animal, I am a man’ take on even greater significance with Adam in this role,” she said. “This telling not only honors my father’s dream but also brings the audience closer to understanding Merrick’s humanity.”
The film will be produced by Stephen Nemeth of Rhino Films alongside Eve Pomerance for Major Motion Pictures. Pearson’s representation comes from Andrew Roach at DEIversity Talent Management and Victoria Lepper at Victoria Lepper Associates.
Anticipation continues to build around the project, as it promises to shine a new light on Merrick’s story, embracing both the man’s challenges and his dignity in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences.