The project has been gestating for a number of years, but it looks like things are really moving forward with “Love & Mercy,” the biopic on Brian Wilson. This past January, Paul Dano signed on to play Wilson as a young man. Now, John Cusack is in discussions to play the older version of the legendary Beach Boys frontman.
As you may be aware, “Love & Mercy,” penned by Oren Moverman (“The Messenger,” “Rampart”), takes an unconventional look at the life of Brian Wilson, exploring his battle with mental illness. The film is supposed to span decades, reimaging seminal moments in the singer’s life. The scope is epic as it attempts to explore everything from showcasing his natural musical talents to his profound struggles, as well as the love that has helped him through it all.
John Cusack already had his hands full portraying Richard Nixon in the upcoming Lee Daniels film, “The Butler.” Now he gets a chance to play yet another larger-than-life figure and we’ll be eager to see how he and Dano pull it off. “Love & Mercy” will be the second film from producer/director Bill Pohlad, who is known for producing films such as “Into the Wild” and, most recently, “The Tree of Life,” the latter garnering him an Oscar nomination when it was up for Best Picture two years ago.
If that doesn’t excite you enough, Atticus Ross (“The Social Network”) will be working on the sound design for the film. Hopefully we will continue to hear more about “Love & Mercy” as it moves along through production. [The Wrap]
As a Beach Boys fan and a movie fan I am beyond excited for this.