Apple TV+ is preparing to bring one of the most groundbreaking civil rights stories of the 20th century to a global audience. Being Heumann—an Apple Original Film based on the memoir by disability rights pioneer Judith Heumann—is shaping up to be a deeply personal, politically urgent, and inspiring drama with a powerhouse cast and crew behind it.
A Trailblazer’s Story, Finally on Screen
Judith Heumann’s name may not be as widely known as it should be, but her impact is immeasurable. As a key architect of the American disability rights movement, she helped pass pivotal legislation like the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Her 2020 memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, gave readers a front-row seat to decades of activism, perseverance, and transformation.
Now, Apple is turning that legacy into a major film—and it’s not cutting corners.
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ruth Madeley (Doctor Who, Years and Years) leads as Judy Heumann. Madeley, who uses a wheelchair and has spina bifida, brings an authentic perspective that reflects Heumann’s own lived experience—a rarity in Hollywood biopics.
- Mark Ruffalo plays Joseph Califano, the U.S. Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare during the infamous 504 sit-ins. Ruffalo’s involvement hints at a deeply political and emotionally complex portrayal of the government’s resistance to disability civil rights.
- Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf, Love and Monsters) has recently joined the cast as Evan White, a fictional journalist inspired by real-life reporters who covered the 28-day sit-in at San Francisco’s HEW office in 1977—a landmark moment in the disability rights movement.
This cast lineup is a mix of prestige and promise, aligning perfectly with the story’s emotional weight and historical scale.
🎥 Creative Team
- Director: CODA’s Siân Heder, who won an Oscar for her sensitive and inclusive storytelling, takes the helm. Her involvement ensures the film stays grounded in empathy and realism, much like CODA did for the Deaf community.
- Screenwriters: Heder is co-writing the script with Rebekah Taussig, a disability advocate and author. This collaboration guarantees that the film’s voice will reflect lived experience and avoid Hollywood-style oversimplification.
- Producers: Veteran producer David Permut (Hacksaw Ridge) teams up with Kevin Walsh (Manchester by the Sea). Judy Heumann herself, along with co-author Kristen Joiner, are executive producers—bringing firsthand accountability and narrative accuracy to the project.
📆 Release Timeline
There’s no official release date yet, but industry insiders suggest Being Heumann is aiming for a 2026 awards season premiere, potentially with a limited theatrical release before debuting globally on Apple TV+. Given Apple’s recent track record with prestige biopics (Emancipation, The Banker, CODA), the film will likely be positioned for major critical recognition.
🔎 Why “Being Heumann” Matters
Heumann’s work directly shaped modern disability policy and education access. Her activism—from suing the New York school system for the right to teach, to organizing the longest non-violent occupation of a federal building in U.S. history—helped catalyze what we now consider basic civil rights.
In an era where representation still lags for people with disabilities both in media and policymaking, Being Heumann has the potential to educate, inspire, and mobilize a new generation of viewers. It’s not just a biography—it’s a call to action.
🧭 Quick Recap
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Ruth Madeley as Judy Heumann |
| Supporting Cast | Mark Ruffalo (Joseph Califano), Dylan O’Brien (Evan White) |
| Director | Siân Heder (CODA) |
| Screenwriters | Siân Heder, Rebekah Taussig |
| Producers | David Permut, Kevin Walsh, Judy Heumann (EP), Kristen Joiner |
| Genre | Biographical, historical drama |
| Expected Release | Awards Season 2026 (limited theaters → Apple TV+) |
Beyond the Film
If you’re eager to dive deeper before the film releases:
- Being Heumann is available in audiobook and eBook formats.
- Watch Crip Camp on Netflix, a 2020 documentary produced by the Obamas that features Judy Heumann and provides essential context for the 504 protests and the birth of the disability rights movement.
With Being Heumann, Apple TV+ isn’t just telling a compelling story—it’s bringing a long-overdue spotlight to one of the most important civil rights figures in American history.
Key Takeaways
- Ruth Madeley will take the lead in Apple TV+’s “Being Heumann,” directed by Sian Heder and set for a May 2025 premiere.
- The film focuses on the real-life story of Judy Heumann, a pivotal figure in the fight for disability rights in the U.S.
- Apple TV+ keeps adding to its lineup of inclusive content, highlighting stories that actually reflect the world’s diversity.
Overview of Being Heumann on Apple TV+
“Being Heumann” is Apple TV+’s upcoming film based on the life of disability rights trailblazer Judith Heumann. Ruth Madeley steps into the starring role, with Sian Heder—of “CODA” fame—directing. There’s a lot of anticipation, and for good reason.
About Judith Heumann
Judith Heumann’s a name you should know. Her activism has shaped accessibility policy across the U.S. Born in Brooklyn, she got polio as a kid and’s used a wheelchair ever since. Her fight started early—she was denied a teaching license because her wheelchair was considered a “fire hazard.” Can you believe that?
Heumann’s memoir, which the movie draws from, really digs into her lifelong battle for equal rights. She’s worked in both the Clinton and Obama administrations and helped write some of the most important disability legislation out there.
Ruth Madeley—herself a disabled actress—takes on the role of Heumann, which should lend the film some honest-to-goodness authenticity.
Key Themes and Storyline
The movie puts a spotlight on the historic 504 Sit In in San Francisco, where Heumann led over 100 disabled activists to occupy the Federal Building. That protest, which lasted 28 days, turned out to be a real turning point for disability rights in the U.S.
You’ll see Heumann planning and pulling off the protest, facing down obstacles that would make most people quit. The sit-in eventually forced the government to implement Section 504 regulations, banning discrimination against disabled people in federally funded programs.
Sian Heder’s directing, and if her work on “CODA” is any clue, she’s got a knack for telling disability stories with real heart.
Disability Rights and Accessibility
This film doesn’t just focus on disability rights—it puts them right in the context of broader civil rights struggles. Accessibility isn’t a favor; it’s a basic right. The movie makes that crystal clear.
“Being Heumann” really pushes the idea that it’s not physical conditions that disable people, but inaccessible environments. You’ll see the activism that led to things like ramps, accessible bathrooms, and all the accommodations we often take for granted now.
The story travels from Brooklyn to San Francisco, tracing Heumann’s journey from personal challenges to national policy wins. It’s a crash course in the Americans with Disabilities Act and other game-changing laws.
Apple TV+ is sticking to its mission of telling stories that don’t get enough airtime, adding another layer to its growing collection of content that actually represents the world we live in.
Apple TV+ and the Impact of Inclusive Storytelling
Apple TV+ has really stepped up when it comes to telling stories that matter, especially ones that highlight the experiences of deaf and disabled folks—casting and storytelling that actually feels real, not just box-checking.
Notable Apple Original Films
Apple’s got some pretty groundbreaking titles in its catalog. CODA, directed by Siân Heder, is a standout. It’s about Ruby, the only hearing member of her deaf family, juggling her own dreams with family responsibilities.
CODA made a splash at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and then went on to snag three Oscars, including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay. Deaf actors played deaf characters—Troy Kotsur (who won an Oscar), Marlee Matlin, Daniel Durant. That’s huge.
There are other Apple originals that look at blindness and less visible disabilities too. These aren’t just stories about disability—they’re stories about people.
Representation of the Deaf and Disabled Communities
Apple TV+ has put in the work to make sure representation feels genuine. American Sign Language isn’t just tacked on; it’s woven into shows and movies as a natural part of the story. It helps people see ASL for what it is—a full, expressive language.
Casting actual deaf actors in CODA instead of hearing actors pretending? That set a new bar for authenticity. It brought a real sense of understanding and culture to the screen.
Apple’s also rolled out accessibility features like Live Speech and Personal Voice, making content easier for everyone to enjoy. These tools are a big deal for people with speech disabilities.
The platform keeps working on content where disability is just part of who someone is—not their whole story.
Frequently Asked Questions
“Being Heumann” on Apple TV+ is bringing Judy Heumann’s powerful memoir to a whole new audience. Here’s what people are already asking about this much-anticipated adaptation.
What is the release date of ‘Being Heumann’ on Apple TV+?
“Being Heumann” is currently slated for a May 2025 release on Apple TV+. Apple Original Films picked up the rights to Judy Heumann’s bestselling memoir, so it’s an Apple exclusive.
There’s no exact day announced yet, but it’s on Apple’s May release calendar, so mark your reminders.
How does ‘Being Heumann’ differ from the book it’s based on?
The Apple TV+ version sticks to the heart of Judy Heumann’s story and activism, but adds, well, the kind of visuals and drama you only get in a movie. It covers her experience after contracting polio in 1949 in Brooklyn, which meant using a wheelchair from a young age.
Expect to see dramatized versions of some of the book’s most impactful moments—like being labeled a “fire hazard” at age five, and her relentless advocacy as an adult.
Can ‘Being Heumann’ on Apple TV+ be watched on other streaming platforms such as Netflix?
Nope—”Being Heumann” is an Apple Original, so it’s only going to be available on Apple TV+. You’ll need an Apple TV+ subscription to watch.
You can stream Apple TV+ on iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, and also on most smart TVs, streaming boxes, and consoles. So, at least it’s pretty accessible.
Where can viewers find a summary of the ‘Being Heumann’ chapters?
If you’re looking for chapter summaries from the original book, you’ll find them on various book review sites and educational resources. Once the film drops, Apple TV+ might put out discussion guides or breakdowns to go with it.
The memoir itself spans Heumann’s childhood, her fight for rights, and her work in government—so there’s a lot to explore.
Are there any notable reviews available for ‘Being Heumann’ on Apple TV+?
Since “Being Heumann” hasn’t premiered yet, there aren’t any official reviews out. You might find some early buzz or community chatter online, but full reviews will probably hit closer to the May 2025 release.
Does ‘Being Heumann’ on Apple TV+ provide any additional content or interviews with the author?
Apple TV+ usually tosses in some bonus features with their original stuff. With “Being Heumann,” there’s a good chance you’ll find behind-the-scenes clips, chats with the filmmakers, and maybe even some conversations with Judy Heumann herself—though, honestly, it’s not always guaranteed.
These extra bits can really add some depth, giving viewers a better sense of how the adaptation came together and just how much Heumann’s advocacy has mattered in the real world.
