Washington DC [US], June 12 – Actor Dylan O’Brien is officially joining the cast of Apple Studios’ adaptation of Being Heumann, the acclaimed memoir by late disability rights activist Judy Heumann, according to Deadline. O’Brien will star alongside Ruth Madeley and Mark Ruffalo in the project, which highlights the historic 1977 San Francisco disability rights protest.
In the film, O’Brien will portray Evan White, a journalist covering the groundbreaking protest. Ruth Madeley, who uses a wheelchair in real life, takes on the lead role as Judy Heumann, while Mark Ruffalo plays Joseph Califano, Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Jimmy Carter, who was initially reluctant to sign off on legislation supporting disabled Americans.
Being Heumann tells the powerful story of over 100 disabled protesters—led by Heumann—who occupied the San Francisco Federal Building for 28 days in 1977. Their efforts pressured the U.S. government to enforce Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandated accessibility in all federally funded buildings.
The film is directed by Sian Heder (CODA), working under her overall deal with Apple. She co-wrote the screenplay with Rebekah Taussig, a disability advocate and writer. The project is being produced by David Permut (Hacksaw Ridge) for Permut Presentations and Kevin Walsh (Napoleon, Manchester by the Sea) for The Walsh Company.
Dylan O’Brien is riding a wave of momentum after his Sundance success with Twinless, a dark comedy he starred in and executive produced. The film won both the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting and the U.S. Dramatic Audience Award, and is set for theatrical release on September 5 via Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions.
He also stars in upcoming projects including:
- Ponyboi, a Sundance thriller (in select theatres June 27),
- Send Help, a horror film directed by Sam Raimi and co-starring Rachel McAdams (releasing June 20),
- Saturday Night, where he earned critical praise for playing Dan Aykroyd,
- And the M. Night Shyamalan-produced thriller Caddo Lake, which earned him a Gotham Television Award nomination.
O’Brien is represented by WME, Principal Entertainment, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.