Jonathan Bailey‘s next movie puts him in a romance straight out of a Tom Hanks classic. The Wicked: For Good star’s new film shares striking similarities with a beloved 1993 film. The upcoming feature follows a real-life love story that begins after a devastating loss.
Bailey, known for Bridgerton, has signed on to star in Insomniac City, Deadline reported. Based on Hayes’s 2017 memoir of the same name, the Emmy-nominated actor will play writer and photographer Bill Hayes, who moves to New York following a devastating loss. As he rebuilds his life, Hayes unexpectedly falls in love with both the city and Oliver Sacks, a celebrated neurologist and author whose writing and groundbreaking work in neurology made him one of the most distinctive voices in modern medicine.
The premise recalls Sleepless in Seattle, which follows a widowed father who moves to Seattle with his son after his wife’s death. His story reaches a woman living across the country, eventually bringing the two strangers together through an unexpected romantic connection. However, Insomniac City is based on Hayes’ real-life relationship with Sacks.
Who else is starring in Jonathan Bailey’s new movie?
Bailey will lead the feature opposite Bill Nighy. Nighy, known for About Time and Emma, will play Oliver Sacks, a neurologist. Sacks is the author of The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Awakenings. No other cast members have been announced so far. Moreover, the source material mainly focuses on the two primary characters.
Dominic Cooke, who helmed The Courier, is attached to helm the adaptation. Cooke will also co-write the screenplay with Hayes, adapting the memoir for the big screen.
Troy Lum and Andrew Mason of Brouhaha Entertainment will produce alongside Bailey, Mike Goodridge and Gabrielle Tana. Altitude is handling worldwide sales and will introduce the project to buyers at the American Film Market (AFM).
Insomniac City does not have an official premiere date yet.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
