The actor, known for his physicality in earlier roles like "Walking Tall" and his integration into the "Fast and Furious" franchise, recently took on a more dramatic role in "The Smashing Machine." That performance earned him a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actor, marking a significant step in his acting career beyond action roles.
"Free Byrd is a gift in many ways," Johnson shared in a 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."
Production Details
"Free Byrd" will be directed by Greg Kwedar, who recently received Oscar nominations for Best Director for "Sing Sing" and "Train Dreams." Artists Equity, co-led by CEO Ben Affleck and Chief Content Officer Matt Damon is behind the film. The studio's previous projects include "Air," "The Accountant 2," and "The Rip."
"This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally," said Affleck and Damon. "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."
Given that "Train Dreams" and "The Rip" were Netflix original productions, there is a possibility that "Free Byrd" could also be acquired by the streamer once production is complete.
Featured names
- Dwayne Johnson
- From Walking
- The Smashing Machine
- Golden Globe
- Best Director
- Train Dreams
- Artists Equity
- The Accountant
- Chief Content
