Johnny Flynn to play Paul Simon in ‘The Road Home’: “It’s the story of hope and the power of music”
Johnny Flynn has been cast to play legendary singer-songwriter Paul Simon in the upcoming movie, The Road Home.
Last month, the project was announced by StudioCanal with a press release stating it “brings a uniquely South African story to a global audience, and is set against the backdrop of Paul Simon’s 1986 album Graceland.”
The synopsis reads, “Following exile from his native South Africa, trumpeter Hugh Masekela (Rametsi) is pulled between two worlds when the Anti-Apartheid Movement, led by his mentor Archbishop Trevor Huddleston, launches a boycott against Paul Simon, over his groundbreaking township music-inspired album Graceland accusing Simon of violating the United Nation’s Cultural Boycott.”
It adds, “Splitting from his mentor, Masekela – who sees their music as a powerful weapon in the struggle – joins forces with Simon and Hugh’s lifelong collaborator, South African powerhouse vocalist Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba, to create the Graceland band – a super group designed to bring South Africa’s voice to the world, building to a powerful, celebratory testament to resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit.”
The Road Home also stars Cynthia Erivo as Miriam ‘Mama Africa’ Makeba, Thabo Rametsi as Hugh Masakela, and Guy Pearce as Archbishop Trevor Huddleston.
Flynn, who was born in South Africa and is also a musician in his own right who even supported Paul Simon in 2018, is elated to be confirmed in the role.
In a statement, he shared (via Deadline), “For me, there are very few stories that could come closer to home than this. I was born in Johannesburg and moved to London in 1985 – just before the album Graceland was released.”
Flynn added of his personal connection to the film, “The music of South Africa – and especially that of Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba IS the sound of my childhood. And Graceland was the most played cassette in our car growing up. My parents were supporters of the anti-apartheid movement and various family members were persecuted for being so also.”
He shared of his ambition for The Road Home, “It’s such an honour to be invited to tell this story with artists that I admire so much. It’s the story of hope and the power of music.”
StudioCanal previously confirmed that the movie will begin shooting in Cape Town in June, while also promising to employ over 300 local film crew and up to 3,500 extras.
Bill Condon will direct the feature, which will be based on Matt Bronner’s screenplay.
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