Wow, we cannot believe this project is really happening, but it is. “Free Byrd” will be a collaboration between “Sing Sing” director Greg Kwedar, star Dwayne Johnson, and Artists Equity (production banner of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon) for an action-drama that sees a motorcycle stuntman with dementia.
While “Free Byrd” had originated on the Black List from writer Jon Boyer. Kwedar, who is set to direct the movie, will be rewriting from an earlier draft that had been worked on by “The Peanut Butter Falcon” writer-directors Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson. Other credits from Kwedar are co-writing the stunning drama “Train Dreams” and helming the action thriller “Transpecos.”
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An official logline for the gestating pic as mentioned in the report from Variety:
“A Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who conceals his dementia diagnosis from everyone, including his mechanic brother, as he risks everything on one last jump, as the film examines and confronts the mind’s vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it’s too late.”
No word on who is going to play Johnson’s character’s mechanic brother in “Free Byrd,” but that certainly could be a meaty part if it’s large enough. We’ll have to be patient to learn more about the movie; however, we’re getting sort of vibes of Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler,” where Mickey Rourke plays a former wrestling star who learns he has health issues while risking his health to keep being cheered in the ring, as his personal life is in shambles.
“‘Free Byrd’ is a gift in many ways,” said Johnson in an official statement. “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.”
The producing team also features Academy Award nominee Gil Netter (“Life of Pi,” “The Blind Side”), Fifth Season (had previously partnered with Artists Equity on “Animals” at Netflix), and Johnson (Seven Bucks Productions) alongside Kwedar and fellow two-time Academy Award nominee Clint Bentley, for Ethos.
Damon and Affleck (Artists Equity’s CEO and Chief Content Officer) are adding their own thoughts on the project. “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 seemed to be trying to line up more dramatic work after the A24 MMA drama “The Smashing Machine,” as he’ll reunite with Benny Safdie for “Lizard Music,” and, speak of the devil, Aronofsky will also direct him in a California guru thriller called “Breakthrough.”
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