The original play from 1977 by Bernard Pomerance was based on John Merrick's life story. The story is about a doctor who saves a man with facial deformities from a freak show. In 1980, David Lynch made a film version with John Hurt in the lead role.
Adam Pearson becomes the first disabled actor to portray John, called the Elephant Man. In a statement, Pearson said he had a "long and complex relationship" with John Merrick:
"It has been a liberating journey to learn to love and respect a man whom I as a child avoided even thinking about. Now as an actor and advocate for the disabled, I cannot think of any greater honor (but heavy responsibility) than telling the true story of Joseph Carey Merrick."
The script for the film with Pearson in the role has been written by Moby Pomerance, son of Bernard Pomerance. Filming is scheduled to begin in 2026.
