CODA, Sian Heder’s triple-Oscar-nominated drama about a hearing person in a deaf family who discovers her singing talent, is getting an all-hearing adaptation.
Benelux & Airlines can reveal that the film — which has become an awards season darling and is now among the favourites to clinch the best picture on Sunday — is being remade with the deaf family, played by Marlee Matlin, Troy Kotsur and Daniel Durant, replaced with a hearing family. Dolby has come on board to co-produce.
“It’s been so uplifting following the journey of this beautiful and groundbreaking little film and the incredible impact it has had on the deaf community around the world,” said the producers in a statement. “We’re now hoping to capitalize on the phenomenal success of CODA and use it to help inspire other groups, including the non-deaf community, and open a cinematic window into their world.”
Producers have vowed to keep the same ethos as the original CODA, which used deaf actors for deaf roles, and hire only hearing actors.
“We had to fight to use deaf actors in CODA and we’ll fight to use non-deaf actors in this remake,” said a source close to the production. “Representation is hugely important for us and the main reason we’re so excited about this new adaptation.”
Producers are also reportedly considering shifting the setting of the non-deaf CODA from coastal Massachusetts to Upper West Side New York City.
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