Jonathan Bailey to Lead 'Insomniac City' Film Adaptation

Jonathan Bailey has been cast in a leading role for the film adaptation of "Insomniac City," a poignant romance based on Bill Hayes' acclaimed 2017 memoir. He will star alongside Bill Nighy in this Dominic Cooke-directed project, which explores the real-life love story between writer and photographer Bill Hayes and the renowned neurologist Oliver Sacks. This narrative promises to deliver an intimate and uplifting portrayal of finding love and rebuilding life after loss, set against the bustling energy of New York City.

The upcoming film, titled "Insomniac City," draws its inspiration from Hayes' memoir, chronicling his journey from San Francisco to New York City following a significant personal loss. In this new urban environment, he unexpectedly discovers love, not only for the city itself but also for Oliver Sacks. Sacks, celebrated for his profound contributions to neurology and his compelling writing, became a distinctive voice in modern medicine. Their relationship, which unfolded during Sacks's final years, profoundly impacted both men, offering a tale of connection, healing, and renewed hope.

Bill Nighy is set to embody Oliver Sacks, a figure famously described by The New York Times as the "poet laureate of contemporary medicine." Sacks was known for his compassionate and inquisitive approach to his work, authoring influential books like "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" and "Awakenings," the latter of which was adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro. The film's description highlights its focus on themes of grief, hope, community, and the remarkable possibility of encountering love when it is least anticipated, painting a vivid picture of a relationship that transcended expectations.

Co-written and adapted for the screen by Bill Hayes and Dominic Cooke, "Insomniac City" will be brought to life by producers Troy Lum and Andrew Mason of Brouhaha Entertainment, alongside Bailey, Mike Goodridge, and Gabrielle Tana. The executive production team includes Will Clarke, Andy Mason, and Mike Runagall from Altitude, who will also oversee global sales for the project at AFM. This collaboration aims to respectfully and beautifully translate a deeply personal and touching story to the cinematic medium.