Dwayne Johnson will star in and produce “Free Byrd,” a new action-drama from Greg Kwedar, the Oscar-nominated director of “Sing Sing” and “Train Dreams.”

Johnson will play a Las Vegas motorcycle stuntman who hides his dementia diagnosis from those closest to him. As his condition worsens, he prepares for one final and dangerous jump.

The film comes from Artists Equity, the production company led by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

Story Focuses on Dementia and Family

According to the official logline, the stuntman keeps his diagnosis secret from everyone, including his mechanic brother. He then risks everything in a last attempt to prove himself.

The film “examines and confronts the mind’s vast mysteries and the beauty and power of asking for help before it’s too late.”

Kwedar will direct and rewrite the screenplay. Jon Boyer wrote the original script, which appeared on the Black List. Filmmakers Michael Schwartz and Tyler Nilson later developed an earlier draft.

Johnson Calls the Film Personal

Johnson said the project has become deeply meaningful to him and Kwedar.

“’ Free Byrd’ is a gift in many ways,” said Johnson. “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 me 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.”

Affleck and Damon Back the Project

Producer Gil Netter brought the project to Artists Equity. He will produce alongside Fifth Season, Seven Bucks Productions, and Ethos.

Affleck and Damon praised the team behind the film.

“This is a project that all of us at the company have connected with personally,” they said. “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.”