Jack Huston Set to Direct Biopic on Joseph Merrick, The Elephant Man
Jack Huston, celebrated for his roles in Boardwalk Empire and American Hustle, is making his directorial debut with the biographical film Joseph Merrick. This upcoming feature will delve into the life of the Victorian artist famously known as The Elephant Man, a figure who captured public fascination due to his extraordinary physical condition.
Produced by Phoenix Pictures, the film will see contributions from notable producers Kate Cohen, Mike Medavoy, and David Dobkin, with Huston also taking on a producer role. Production is anticipated to commence later this year, indicating a promising timeline for the project.
The Life of Joseph Merrick
Joseph Merrick’s life was marked by both adversity and intrigue. Often displayed as a ‘freak’ in circuses during his teenage years, he stirred the curiosity of London society and ignited interest within scientific communities. Despite his struggles, Merrick’s artistic talents flourished, allowing him to transcend the limitations often imposed by his condition. His story has been immortalized in various forms of media, including the acclaimed 1980 film The Elephant Man, directed by David Lynch and featuring John Hurt.
The film aims to present a new and poignant portrayal of Merrick’s life, highlighting aspects of his existence that have remained largely underexplored. The script for the film has been penned by Nick Yarborough.
Jack Huston’s Vision
In a recent statement, Huston expressed his admiration for Merrick, noting, “I’ve long been fascinated by the life of Joseph Merrick – marked by unimaginable adversity, yet defined by his profound kindness, perseverance and strength. His journey is a testament to what we are capable of when we choose love and compassion over cruelty and indifference.” Huston considers this project a significant opportunity to highlight the lesser-known chapters of Merrick’s remarkable life, working with a competent and passionate team.
As advancements in the film’s development unfold, more details are expected to emerge regarding this compelling biopic.