Adam Pearson, a 40-year-old British actor, has been cast in the lead role of Joseph Merrick in a movie adaptation of Bernard Pomerance's Tony-winning play, The Elephant Man, with the screenplay written by Pomerance's son, Moby Pomerance. Filming is set to begin in spring 2026, and Pearson will be the first disabled actor to portray Merrick, a significant milestone for representation in film. The play, which has been performed by notable actors such as Bradley Cooper and David Bowie, is based on the diaries of Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick’s physician, and explores Merrick's life at the London Hospital. Pearson, who has a personal connection to Merrick's story, expressed the honor and responsibility he feels in portraying Merrick, having grown up with a complex relationship with Merrick's legacy. As a disability advocate, Pearson has previously spoken out about the stereotypes faced by disabled performers in the industry.

Adam Pearson is set to play Joseph Merrick in the upcoming film adaptation of The Elephant Man, a role that has been previously filled by actors like Bradley Cooper and David Bowie, marking a historic moment as Pearson will be the first disabled actor to portray Merrick.

The screenplay for The Elephant Man is penned by Moby Pomerance, the son of the original playwright Bernard Pomerance, and draws from the diaries of Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick’s physician, focusing on Merrick's time at the London Hospital.

The Elephant Man first appeared on the West End in 1977 and later on Broadway, receiving widespread acclaim and prompting audiences worldwide to connect personally with the line, 'I am The Elephant Man'.

Pearson, who gained recognition for his role in 2024's A Different Man, feels a deep personal connection to Merrick, having evolved from avoiding Merrick's story as a child to embracing it as an adult and disability advocate.

Filming for the movie adaptation is scheduled to commence in spring 2026, and Pearson has expressed the profound honor and responsibility he feels in bringing the true story of Joseph Carey Merrick to the screen.

Pearson has previously voiced concerns about the stereotypes that disabled actors face in the film industry, underscoring the significance of his casting in this iconic role.

The play's impact is evidenced by the thousands of letters Bernard Pomerance received during his lifetime from people identifying with Merrick's story, highlighting the universal themes of identity and acceptance.

Adam Pearson has booked his next movie role!

Following his breakout role in 2024′s A Different Man, the 40-year-old British actor will be playing the lead role of Joseph Merrick in the upcoming movie adaption of Bernard Pomerance‘s Tony-winning play, The Elephant Man.

The screenplay is written by Bernard‘s son Moby Pomerance and filming is scheduled to begin in spring 2026.

Keep reading to find out more…The play is an “adaptation of the diaries of Dr. Frederick Treves, Merrick’s physician, and spans the years he spent at the London Hospital. During his lifetime, Pomerance received thousands of letters from people around the world stating, ‘I am The Elephant Man,’ a well-known line from the play,” according to Variety.

The Elephant Man first ran on the West End in London in 1977 before eventually making its way to Broadway. Over the years, actors including Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, Billy Crudup, and Mark Hamill have played Joseph Merrick. Adam will be the first disabled actor to play the role.

“Joseph Merrick is a man I have a long and complex relationship with. From having his name used as a term of derision to learning about the man himself in documentaries I’ve presented,” Adam shared in a statement. “It’s been a cathartic journey of growing to love and respect a man who I as a child I avoided even thinking about. Now as a disability advocate and actor, I can think of no greater honour (yet heavy responsibility) than to tell the true story of Joseph Carey Merrick.”

In an interview from last year, Adam spoke out about stereotypes disabled performers often encounter in the film industry.