Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton to star in BBC’s The Elephant Man
David Farnor | On 23, Aug 2018
Stranger Things’ Charlie Heaton may be returning to Hawkins soon for Season 3, but the breakout star of Netflix’s supernatural horror is wasting no time in moving on to another unusual story, that of The Elephant Man.
BBC One has ordered a two-part drama about Joseph Merrick, with Heaton playing the person known at the time as “The Elephant Man”.
Joseph Merrick has been the subject of many medical studies, documentaries and works of fiction. Born in Leicester in 1862, at the age of five years old he began to develop physical deformities to his skin, face, arms and feet. When he was 11 years old, his mother died from bronchopneumonia, his father soon remarried and by 17 he was a resident of the workhouse after his relationship with his father deteriorated. Seeking to escape the workhouse several years later, Merrick found his way into a human oddities show in London where he was exhibited as ‘The Elephant Man’. He met Dr Frederick Treves in 1884, after he had witnessed Merrick being exhibited in a shop across the road from the London Hospital. Treves brought Merrick to the London Hospital where he lived until his death in 1890, aged 27.
Commissioned by Piers Wenger, Controller of BBC Drama, and Charlotte Moore, Director of BBC Content, the series is produced by New Pictures and written by Neil McKay (Moorside). It follows the compelling and extraordinary life of Merrick, from his working-class beginnings in Leicestershire through the work-houses, music halls and freak shows that punctuated 19th Century culture and society to his time at the London Hospital and his vital friendship with Dr Frederick Treves. Starting with his birth and ending with his death, McKay’s adaptation covers the true events of Merrick’s personal odyssey, his extreme courage, determination and human dignity despite challenges arising from his disability. It explores the mysteries that surround Merrick and the man behind the myth.
Wenger comments: “Neil’s scripts, chronicling Joseph’s life in its entirety, will shed new light on this story bringing greater depth and humanity to it than ever before. Charlie Heaton promises to be extraordinary in the lead role and we are excited to be telling this powerful, resonant story on BBC One.”
There have been numerous depictions of Merrick on stage and screen, with the first performance originating from David Schofield in a 1979 play written by Bernard Pomerance. It was a definitive performance with many well-known actors taking on the iconic role since, including David Bowie, Mark Hamill, and most recently Bradley Cooper for his West End theatre debut. In 1980, David Lynch directed John Hurt in the lead role in a motion picture picture based on Merrick’s life, for which he won BAFTAs for Best Film and Best Actor.
Heaton says: “I’m extremely excited and honoured to be given the opportunity to take on the portrayal of Joseph Merrick in the BBC’s adaption of The Elephant Man. This is such a special role and a challenge for any actor. Joseph has such an incredible story and I can’t wait to go on this journey and bring him to life.”