Brian Wilson biopic casts its lead.
Paul Dano (‘Looper,’ ‘Ruby Sparks,’ ‘There Will Be Blood’) ‘has been cast as Brian Wilson in ‘Love & Mercy,’ a biopic of the deeply troubled leader of The Beach Boys.
Written by Oren Moverman (‘The Quiet Ones,’ ‘Rampart’ ‘The Messenger’), ‘Love & Mercy’ tells the story of Wilson, who became the leader of the 60s rock group as well as their lead songwriter, penning such classics as Surfin’ U.S.A., California Girls and Good Vibrations. The film will take an unconventional approach to telling Wilson’s story, looking at the seminal moments in his life along with focusing on his fight with mental illness and his relationship with his wife, Melinda.
Dano will be portraying Wilson in his early years, with another actor playing the legendary musician later in his life.
‘Love & Mercy’ is expected to go in front of camera in the summer with producer Bill Pohlad (‘The Tree of Life,’ ‘Into the Wild’) directing. John Wells and Claire Rudnick Polstein are producing through John Wells Productions.
Academy Award winning composer Atticus Ross (‘The Social Network’) is in talks to work on the sound design of the film and the soundtrack, which will include the music of Wilson.