Paul Dano will play the young Brian Wilson in “Love & Mercy,” a movie about the pivotal moments in the Beach Boy”s career.
Academy Award-nominated producer Bill Pohlad will direct the story. He shies away from calling it a biopic. Instead, a statement about the film says it will “take an unconventional look at seminal moments in Wilson”s life, his artistic genius, his profound struggles, and the love that kept him alive.”
Wilson posted the announcement on his Facebook page with the declaration, “I am thrilled.” “I still can”t believe how cool it is that my life will be portrayed on th big screen and to have Bill Pohlad as the captain of the Sloop John B is amazing. It just makes me feel so humble. I can”t wait to see it with a full tub of buttered popcorn.”
No casting other than Dano has been announced. Another actor will portray the older Wilson.
Atticus Ross, who won an Academy Award for scoring “The Social Network” with Trent Reznor, is in talks with Pohlad to score the film. Interestingly, the release says the movie will include “the music of Brian Wilson.” What”s unclear is if Mike Love and Wilson”s other co-writers have signed off on their music being used in the film.
River Road Entertainment and John Wells Productions are producing the film.
“Love & Mercy” takes its title from a song on Wilson’s self-titled 1988 debut solo album.