Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy to Star in Insomniac City
The actors will portray the romance between Bill Hayes and neurologist Oliver Sacks.
1New Biographical Project Announced
Actors Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy have been cast to lead the upcoming film Insomniac City. Directed by Dominic Cooke, the project is an adaptation of Bill Hayes’ 2017 memoir. The film explores the poignant romance between Hayes and the celebrated neurologist Oliver Sacks during the final years of Sacks’ life.
2Casting and Production Details
Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton, will portray Bill Hayes. Bill Nighy, recognized for his performance in About Time, will play the role of Oliver Sacks. The project is currently being introduced to international buyers at the American Film Market in Los Angeles by the sales company Altitude.
3Narrative Focus of Memoir
The film follows Hayes as he relocates from San Francisco to New York City following a personal tragedy. While navigating his grief and rebuilding his life, he unexpectedly finds love with the city and with Sacks. This relationship serves as the emotional core of the narrative, highlighting their profound personal transformation.
4Director and Creative Team
Director Dominic Cooke, whose previous work includes The Courier and On Chesil Beach, co-wrote the screenplay alongside Bill Hayes. The film is produced by Troy Lum and Andrew Mason under their U.K.-Australian banner, Brouhaha Entertainment. Additional producers include Jonathan Bailey, Mike Goodridge, and Gabrielle Tana, with Altitude executives serving as producers.
5Oliver Sacks' Literary Legacy
Oliver Sacks remains a globally recognized figure for his influential neurological writings, including The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. His work has previously inspired major cinematic projects, most notably the Oscar-nominated film Awakenings, which starred Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, further cementing his cultural and intellectual impact.
6Director's Vision for Adaptation
Dominic Cooke described Insomniac City as a story that balances intimate personal moments with an epic scope. He emphasized that the film functions as a love letter to New York City, portraying the metropolis as a unique environment defined by its endless possibilities, capacity for human connection, and constant potential for personal reinvention.
7Context of Market Launch
The announcement was timed to coincide with the American Film Market in Los Angeles. This event serves as a critical hub for international film distribution, where production companies present upcoming projects to global buyers. The involvement of Altitude in this launch indicates the film's intended reach within the international cinematic market.
8Significance of the Adaptation
This film marks a significant addition to the biographical drama genre, focusing on the intersection of intellectual legacy and personal vulnerability. By documenting the final years of Oliver Sacks, the production aims to provide a nuanced look at a renowned scientist through the lens of a deeply intimate and life-changing romantic relationship.
Original article: The Hollywood Reporter — Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy to Star in Insomniac City