June 11, 2025: Mark Ruffalo is set to portray Joseph Califano in Being Heumann, the upcoming Apple Original Films drama directed by Oscar-winner Sian Heder (CODA). The film, based on the memoir of late disability rights icon Judy Heumann, chronicles her pivotal role in the landmark 28-day sit-in protest at the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977. The movement successfully pushed for the enforcement of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensuring accessibility in all federal spaces.
Ruffalo will star opposite Ruth Madeley, who takes on the role of Judy Heumann. The script is co-written by Heder and disability advocate Rebekah Taussig.
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Being Heumann is produced by Apple Studios, Permut Presentations, and The Walsh Company, with executive producers including Kristen Joiner (co-author of the memoir), Diana Pokorny, Jim Lebrecht, and Judy Heumann herself, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 75.
This marks Heder’s second major collaboration with Apple, following her success with CODA, which earned three Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay.
Ruffalo, a four-time Oscar nominee, most recently appeared in Poor Things and will star next in Crime 101 alongside Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry.