In “Free Byrd,” Johnson will portray a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who is hiding a dementia diagnosis from his loved ones, including his mechanic brother. The character risks everything for one final jump.
The official logline for the film states that it “examines and confronts the mind’s vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it’s too late.”
Greg Kwedar, a two-time Academy Award nominee is attached to direct “Free Byrd” and will also rewrite the screenplay. The original script was penned by Jon Boyer and had previously appeared on the Black List. An earlier draft was written by Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson, known for “The Peanut Butter Falcon.”
This project comes as Johnson, who recently received a Golden Globe nomination for “The Smashing Machine,” is preparing for the release of Disney’s live-action “Moana.” His upcoming film slate also includes “Jumanji: Open World” and “Lizard Music,” directed by Benny Safdie.
“‘Free Byrd’ is a gift in many ways,” Johnson said. “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.”
Gil Netter, an Academy Award nominee known for producing “Life of Pi” and “The Blind Side,” originally brought “Free Byrd” to Artists Equity and will produce the film. Additional producers include Fifth Season, Johnson through his Seven Bucks Productions, and Kwedar and Clint Bentley for Ethos.
“This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally,” stated Affleck and Damon, who serve as Artists Equity’s CEO and Chief Content Officer, respectively. “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.”
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