Charlie Heaton, who played Jonathan Byers on the Netflix hit show, will take on the role of Joseph Merrick for a two-part adaptation for the BBC. The series will split the story into two 90 minute episodes. The show will follow Merrick from his working-class origins, through the freak shows and his eventual friendship with Dr. Frederick Torres.

In David Lynch’s film adaptation, John Hurt took on the title role, with Mel Brooks as producer. This version of the story was awarded eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor for Hurt's titular performance. On the stage, the role has been taken on by actors such as David Bowie, Mark Hamill, and Bradley Cooper.

Since starring in Stranger Things, Heaton has appeared in numerous indie films as well as bigger budget flicks such as Marrowbone directed by Sergio G. Sánchez and Shut In starring Naomi Watts.