The starry HBO version of The Normal Heart now has a release date. The TV movie of Larry Kramer’s play, which takes an unflinching look at the early days of the HIV/AIDS crisis, will air on May 25 at 9PM. Adapted by Kramer from his 1985 play and directed by Glee and American Horror Story mastermind Ryan Murphy, the film boasts a roster of A-listers.
The Normal Heart stars Julia Roberts as Dr. Emma Brookner, Mark Ruffalo as Ned Weeks, Jim Parsons (who co-starred in the 2011 Broadway production) as Tommy Boatwright, Alfred Molina as Ned's brother Ben, Taylor Kitsch as Bruce Niles, Jonathan Groff as Bruce's HIV-positive lover Craig, Matt Bomer as Ned’s lover Felix Turner, and Joe Mantello (who nabbed a Tony nomination for his portrayal of Ned Weeks in The Normal Heart on Broadway) as activist Mickey Marcus. The film also features Tony winner Denis O'Hare as Mayor Koch's gay aide, Tony winner Stephen Spinella as Sanford, an early patient of Dr. Brookner, Corey Stoll as presidential advisor Jon Bower, Finn Wittrock as male model Albert and Tony winner BD Wong as Buzzy, a nurse who works with Dr. Brookner .
A sequel to the film, written by Kramer and directed by Murphy, is currently under consideration at HBO.