Washington [US], June 11: Four-time Oscar nominee Mark Ruffalo has officially joined the cast of Apple Original Films’ upcoming feature ‘Being Heumann’, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sian Heder, best known for CODA.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Ruffalo will portray Joseph Califano, opposite Ruth Madeley, who will take on the role of renowned disability rights activist Judy Heumann.
A Film Based on True Activism
Being Heumann is based on Judy Heumann’s memoir and centers around her pivotal role in organizing the historic 28-day sit-in protest at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977. The demonstration was crucial in pushing for the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandated accessibility in federal buildings for individuals with disabilities.
Heder co-wrote the screenplay with disability rights advocate and author Rebekah Taussig. The project is being produced by Apple Studios, Permut Presentations, and The Walsh Company.
Heumann’s Legacy Lives On
Heumann, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 75, will be posthumously credited as an executive producer, alongside her co-author Kristen Joiner, Jim Lebrecht, and Diana Pokorny.
Ruffalo & Heder’s Growing Apple Ties
Mark Ruffalo, who has recently starred in critically acclaimed films like Poor Things and the upcoming Mickey 17, continues to expand his versatile filmography. He is also set to appear in the upcoming thriller Crime 101, alongside Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry.
Director Sian Heder, who has an overall deal with Apple, gained widespread acclaim for CODA, which earned three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Troy Kotsur), and Best Adapted Screenplay. She also served as executive producer for the Apple series Little America.