In an interview with PEOPLE, Stan spoke about how Pearson’s insights were invaluable in helping him understand his character. “I was kind of gathering different pieces from different places. And a lot of Adam's experience that he shared with me was really helpful in that regard,” Stan shared. He also praised Pearson, calling their collaboration smooth and highlighting the mutual trust that developed between them and filmmaker Aaron Schimberg.
Pearson, who has been open about his own experience with neurofibromatosis since his diagnosis at age 5, has worked with Schimberg before in Chained for Life (2019) and the thriller Under the Skin (2013). Before filming began in 2022, Pearson and Stan had several candid Zoom conversations about their backgrounds, which helped them develop a strong working relationship.
In A Different Man, Edward undergoes facial reconstructive surgery, leading to a fixation on Pearson’s character, Oswald, who also lives with neurofibromatosis. As the story unfolds, Edward plays the lead role in an off-Broadway play about his life, written by his neighbor Renate Reinsve, with whom he becomes infatuated. Pearson’s character, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Edward, makes a significant appearance toward the film’s conclusion.
The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 21, 2024, and was released in the United States on September 20, 2024. Critics have lauded Stan’s performance, particularly for his ability to capture the complexity of Edward’s journey.