Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has landed his next starring role, with the Hollywood star set to lead the upcoming action-drama “Free Byrd”.
According to Variety, the film will see The Rock portray a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who secretly battles dementia while attempting one final death-defying stunt. The official synopsis states that Johnson’s character conceals his diagnosis from everyone around him, including his mechanic brother, as he risks everything on one last jump. The film is described as an exploration of “the mind’s vast mysteries” and the importance of seeking help before it is too late.
Free Byrd will be produced by Artists Equity, the production company founded by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, and directed by Greg Kwedar, who earned Academy Award nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay in consecutive years for Sing Sing and Train Dreams.
The Rock Shares How The “Free Byrd” Plot Became Personal To Him
The Rock told Variety that the project has become deeply personal during its development.
“Free Byrd is a gift in many ways. Emblematic of life’s sacred beauty, as well as life’s harsh and callous reality,” Johnson said.
“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.”
A release date for Free Byrd has not yet been announced.
