Mark Ruffalo is stepping into a powerful new role in Being Heumann, the upcoming Apple Original Film directed by CODA filmmaker Sian Heder. The four-time Oscar nominee joins a growing cast for the feature-length adaptation of Judy Heumann’s acclaimed memoir, which chronicles her trailblazing efforts in the fight for disability rights.
Ruffalo is set to portray Joseph Califano, a key figure in the real-life events that inspired the story. He’ll star opposite Ruth Madeley, who takes on the titular role of Judy Heumann, a fearless advocate and activist whose name has become synonymous with disability justice in America.
Being Heumann centers on a historic moment in U.S. civil rights history: the 1977 sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building. Led by Heumann, over 100 disabled protesters occupied the building for 28 days, demanding the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The provision would legally require accessibility in all federally funded programs and spaces—marking a significant milestone in disability rights legislation.
Sian Heder, who won widespread acclaim (and an Academy Award) for CODA, will direct and produce the film through her deal with Apple Studios. She also co-wrote the screenplay with author and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig. The film is being produced by David Permut of Permut Presentations, Kevin Walsh for The Walsh Company, and Heumann’s longtime managers John W. Beach and Kevin Cleary of Gravity Squared Entertainment.
The story behind Being Heumann is both powerful and deeply personal. Judy Heumann, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 75, was a lifelong advocate for the rights and dignity of disabled people. Her 2020 memoir, co-written with Kristen Joiner, became an essential read for anyone interested in civil rights, education equity, and systemic change. Heumann and Joiner will both receive executive producer credits on the film, along with Diana Pokorny and Jim Lebrecht, the latter of whom co-directed the Netflix documentary Crip Camp, which also featured Heumann prominently.
Ruffalo’s casting adds considerable star power to the already prestigious project. Known for his emotionally rich performances in films like Spotlight, The Kids Are All Right, and Poor Things, Ruffalo has consistently chosen roles with social resonance. In 2024, he starred in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17, and he’ll next appear alongside Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry in Crime 101, slated for release in 2026.
With Being Heumann, Ruffalo joins a project that is not only cinematic but culturally essential. It continues Apple’s growing trend of socially conscious storytelling—especially following the success of CODA, which also highlighted the lives and experiences of underrepresented communities, specifically the Deaf community.
As Being Heumann takes shape, it promises to shine a bright light on a critical but often overlooked chapter in American history. And with Sian Heder’s sensitive direction and Ruffalo’s thoughtful performance, it’s already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated films in Apple’s upcoming slate.