Does anyone remember Siân Heder “CODA”? It snagged Best Picture in 2022? Truly the Academy's boldest move since... well, ever. A heartwarming Apple TV+ flick about a deaf family that had Oscars voters going for the feel-good vote over far superior films.
Regardless, Heder likely had countless options for her next project. With boundless opportunities, the industry eagerly sought her out. Heder is already attached to two projects, a sci-fi movie, “The Blue Afternoon That Lasted Forever,” written by Sarah Polley, and rom-com “The Impossible Us.” She’s finally decided to tackle a whole other project instead.
Heder’s next film will finally be an adaptation of Judy Heumann’s bestselling memoir, “Being Heumann.” According to Deadline, Mark Ruffalo is set to star opposite Ruth Madeley. The script will be written by Heder and Rebekah Taussig. David Permut (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Face/Off”).
Ruffalo, an actor known for his versatility and depth, gained early recognition with his role in Kenneth Lonergan’s “You Can Count on Me.” However, Ruffalo achieved widespread fame portraying Bruce Banner/The Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He has also received acclaim for roles in films like “Spotlight,” and “The Kids Are All Right.”
Heder’s "Being Heumann" chronicles the journey of Judy Heumann, who contracted polio at 18 months and has used a wheelchair most of her life. The story follows her leadership of over 100 disabled activists who occupied the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977, initiating a 28-day sit-in. The protesters were determined to stay until the government implements Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, mandating accessibility in all federal facilities.
Sian Heder’s 2021 indie film “CODA” stunned the industry by winning the Oscar for Best Picture, marking the first time a streamer-produced film achieved this honor. It outshone an acclaimed field of nominees, including “The Power of the Dog,” “Licorice Pizza,” “West Side Story,” and “Drive My Car.” I'm still puzzled about how that movie snagged the top prize.
Heder showed absolutely zero personality or visual style in her direction on “CODA” — she played it completely straight, almost like a TV movie, but the result was a Best Picture win. Go figure.