Dwayne Johnson's next film 'Free Byrd' explores dementia, family and redemption

Dwayne Johnson is set to headline Free Byrd, a new action-drama that explores dementia, family and resilience through the story of a veteran Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman preparing for one final, life-defining jump.

Johnson will play a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who conceals his dementia diagnosis from everyone, including his mechanic brother, as he risks everything for one final stunt.

According to the film's official logline, Free Byrd "examines and confronts the mind's vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it's too late."

Academy Award nominee Greg Kwedar, known for Sing Sing and Train Dreams, will direct the film and rewrite the screenplay. The original script was written by Jon Boyer and featured on the Black List, while an earlier draft was penned by The Peanut Butter Falcon filmmakers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson.

The announcement comes as Johnson prepares for the release of Disney's live-action Moana. The actor was recently nominated for a Golden Globe for The Smashing Machine.

Johnson says story has become deeply personal

Speaking about the project, Johnson said the film's themes have resonated with him on a personal level.

"'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. 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," Johnson said, as quoted by Variety.

Affleck and Damon back Kwedar's vision

Academy Award nominee Gil Netter, who first brought the project to Artists Equity, will produce the film.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, who serve as Artists Equity's CEO and Chief Content Officer respectively, said the project holds special meaning for the team.

"This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally," Affleck and Damon said, as quoted by Variety.

"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," they added.

Following Free Byrd, Johnson is also set to appear in Jumanji: Open World and Lizard Music, which is written and directed by Benny Safdie.

(With inputs from ANI)