Adam Pearson has been officially cast as Joseph Merrick in a new film adaptation of The Elephant Man, and he’s calling the moment “beyond honored.”
Known for his performance in A Different Man and for his work as a disability rights advocate, Pearson will be the first disabled actor to take on the role on screen, a historic move that sets a new precedent in authentic casting. The film will be penned by Moby Pomerance, the son of Bernard Pomerance, who wrote the original stage play. Pearson expressed his gratitude and excitement for the role in a heartfelt post on X, thanking his supporters and saying, “I love you all.”
The actor’s casting is a long-overdue win for disabled representation in film. Past portrayals of Merrick, a man with severe physical deformities who lived in 19th-century London, have been handled by non-disabled actors such as John Hurt, Bradley Cooper, David Bowie, and Billy Crudup. But this time, the role is being portrayed by someone who not only understands Merrick’s challenges but has also lived with similar societal perceptions due to his own condition, neurofibromatosis.
Pearson acknowledged the emotional weight of taking on this part, admitting his relationship with the story of Joseph Merrick has been “long and complex.” From feeling ridiculed as a child when The Elephant Man aired on TV to now embodying Merrick’s truth as an actor, his journey has come full circle. “It’s been a cathartic journey of growing to love and respect a man who I, as a child, avoided even thinking about,” he said. Now, with this new adaptation, he feels the responsibility is heavy but incredibly meaningful.
Filming for the project is scheduled to begin next year, and anticipation is already building. Pearson has been a vocal critic of inauthentic casting in the past, particularly when the BBC cast Charlie Heaton in a now-shelved Elephant Man TV series. At the time, he called out the industry’s lack of effort in casting authentically, stating, “Don’t be lazy; be authentic.” This new casting finally puts his words into action.
In an interview with People magazine, Pearson revealed just how personal this moment is. Recalling childhood trauma, he said, “Anytime The Elephant Man or The Hunchback of Notre Dame was on TV, the next day I’d hear that nickname.” Now, the narrative is being rewritten, not just for him but for countless others who have felt misrepresented or sidelined in media.
Pearson’s role marks a significant step toward real change in Hollywood. This isn’t just a casting choice, it’s a cultural shift.
