EXCLUSIVE: Young up-and-comer Indie DesRoches (The Madison) has been tapped for a prominent role alongside Mark Wahlberg and Vera Farmiga in the untitled Stephen Chbosky Apple film on which we’ve recently reported.
Hailing from Apple Studios, the film is based on Weekend Rebels, the original German-language sports comedy-drama from 2023 based on the true story of Mirco and Jason von Juterzcenka. The story there follows Mirco, whose 10-year-old son Jason has Asperger’s syndrome. When Jason is advised to attend a special school, Mirco makes a pact with him: if Jason promises to better manage school provocations, Mirco will take him to every German football stadium — across all 56 professional clubs — so that he can decide on his favorite.
DesRoches comes to the project after working with Wahlberg on his Sony drama Father Stu. While unconfirmed, he’ll presumably be playing the son of Wahlberg’s character. Chbosky will direct from his own script, with Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner producing for Plan B, alongside Spencer Beighley, LeBron James and Jamal Henderson for The SpringHill Company, whose co-founder, Maverick Carter, executive produces along with Michelle Wilens.
Developed and produced by Apple Studios, the film is made in association with Wiedemann & Berg Film, whose Quirin Berg and Max Wiedemann will exec produce. The original film was produced by Wiedemann & Berg Film, part of Leonine studios, with Marc Rothemund directing from a script by Richard Kropf.
Diagnosed autistic at age three, DesRoches has defied expectations to build a fast-rising acting career. Best known for his role as Corran in the Disney+ limited series Obi-Wan Kenobi, he recently wrapped a recurring role in Season 1 of The Madison, the anticipated Yellowstone spin-off from Taylor Sheridan. Other credits include Father Stu, as well as a guest spot on CSI: Vegas and a supporting role in the indie I, Challenger. He is represented by Christine McLain at McLain Entertainment and Paradigm.
