Dwayne Johnson is stepping away from larger-than-life action heroes for what could be one of the most personal roles of his career.
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The actor is set to star in Free Byrd, a new drama from acclaimed director Greg Kwedar, the filmmaker behind the Oscar-nominated Sing Sing. The movie will be produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's production company, Artists Equity.
Johnson will play a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who secretly battles dementia while preparing for one final, career-defining jump. According to the film's official synopsis, he keeps his diagnosis hidden from everyone, including his mechanic brother, as the story explores the importance of asking for help before it's too late.
For Johnson, the project hits close to home.
"Free Byrd is a gift in many ways," he said in a statement, per Variety. "The subject matter has become deeply personal to Greg Kwedar and myself as we've started to unpack this fateful journey together."
He added that watching "the mind of a loved one begin to slip away" gives life "a whole new meaning."
The screenplay was originally written by Jon Boyer before Kwedar signed on to rewrite and direct the film. The project also brings together an impressive creative team, with Academy Award nominees Gil Netter and Clint Bentley among the producers.
Affleck and Damon said they immediately connected with the story.
"This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally," the longtime collaborators said in a joint statement. "Greg is one of the most exciting writer-directors working today, and Dwayne is an extraordinary talent and person."
