The Rock has landed a major new movie role. The WWE legend will star in and produce the upcoming action-drama Free Byrd, directed by Academy Award nominee Greg Kwedar.
Variety has confirmed Kwedar will direct the film and rewrite the screenplay. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s Artists Equity will produce the project alongside Seven Bucks Productions, Fifth Season, Ethos, and producer Gil Netter.
What is Dwayne Johnson’s new movie Free Byrd about?
The Rock will play a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who secretly battles dementia while preparing for one final dangerous jump. His character hides the diagnosis from everyone, including his mechanic brother. The story reportedly explores family, memory, and the importance of asking for help before it’s too late.
Speaking about the film, The Rock said, “‘Free Byrd’ is a gift in many ways. Emblematic of life’s sacred beauty, as well as life’s harsh and callous reality. 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.”
He continued, “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.”
Affleck and Damon also praised the project, saying, “This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally. Greg is one of the most exciting writer-directors working today, and Dwayne is an extraordinary talent and person. We are extremely excited that they have chosen to make this with us and very much look forward to sharing the finished film with audiences.”
The Rock is currently promoting Disney’s live-action version of Moana, in which he reprises his role as Maui.
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