‘Doctor Who’ Star Ruth Madeley Transforms into Judy Heumann: Disability Rights Film by Sian Heder on Apple

British actress Ruth Madeley, known for her BAFTA-nominated performances, has been cast as Judy Heumann, a prominent disability rights advocate, in the forthcoming film “Being Heumann” directed by Oscar-winner Siân Heder and produced by Apple Original Films.

The film is adapted from Heumann’s acclaimed autobiography of the same name and portrays her role in leading a groundbreaking 28-day sit-in at the San Francisco Federal Building with over a hundred other disabled activists. The film delves into how these protestors formed a cohesive unit and their fight to get the government to implement section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which mandates accessibility in all federal facilities.

Siân Heder, celebrated for her 2021 film “CODA” which won the Oscar for best picture and featured a predominantly Deaf cast, will not only direct but also adapt and produce “Being Heumann” under her comprehensive contract with Apple. She collaborates with Rebekah Taussig, who will co-write the screenplay.

Madeley, whose credits include roles in “Then Barbara Met Alan,” “Years and Years,” and “Doctor Who,” is also an outspoken supporter of disability rights and representation within the industry.

Expressing her excitement about portraying Heumann, Madeley stated, “It is an incredible privilege to represent such a formidable and inspirational leader in the disability rights movement. Judy has always been a personal hero of mine and I am thrilled to bring her powerful story to audiences worldwide. This character is undoubtedly a defining role in my career.”

In 2018, Madeley hosted a significant documentary for BBC Two/Horizon titled “Spina Bifida & Me,” where she investigated the impact of legislation on birth defects and explored advanced prenatal surgeries that could change the outcomes for babies diagnosed with spina bifida. During this series, she shared her personal experiences with spina bifida and interacted with other affected individuals and healthcare experts.

Her acclaimed performance in the 2015 BBC drama “Don’t Take My Baby,” where she played a disabled mother fighting for custody of her child, earned her a BAFTA nomination. Following this, she was recognized as a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit in 2016. More recently, Madeley reprised her role as Shirley Anne Bingham in “Doctor Who,” appearing in the show’s 60th anniversary special alongside David Tennant and Catherine Tate, and will continue in the latest series featuring Ncuti Gatwa. She is set to take on the main role in an upcoming BBC five-part series, “The Rapture,” based on Liz Jensen’s bestselling novel. Representation for Madeley is handled by Emma Higginbottom of Curtis Brown and Tapestry London.

“Being Heumann” is being produced by David Permut (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “Face/Off”) and Kevin Walsh (“Napoleon,” “Manchester By The Sea”) under The Walsh Company in a broader agreement with Apple. Producers also include Heumann’s managers John W. Beach and Kevin Cleary from Gravity Squared Entertainment, with executive producers being Heumann, co-author of “Being Heumann” Kristen Joiner, and Diana Pokorny.