Ron Perlman, 76, takes on Hemingway role in Cuban biopic

# Ron Perlman Set to Portray Hemingway in Bold Cuban Biopic, 76 In the midst of a cinematic renaissance, 76‑year‑old Ron Perlman is turning his seasoned craft toward a new, ambitious canvas: a biopic that will bring Ernest Hemingway’s turbulent final years to life against the backdrop of Cuba.

While his name still conjures images of the demonic Hellboy and the gritty world of *Sons of Anarchy*, Perlman is carving a fresh niche as the founder of Asylm Studios.

The indie house has already spun a handful of projects—*Sedona*, a surreal psychological thriller, and the upcoming *Legends* spinoff of *Sons of Anarchy*—all signaling a bold shift from conventional studio work to a more intimate, director‑driven approach.

The decision to play Hemingway feels like a personal pilgrimage for Perlman. Years of reading the legendary author’s work have left an indelible impression on the actor, whose own life has mirrored the kind of relentless, restless energy that defines Hemingway’s characters.

He co‑directs the film with Mexican cinematographer Gabriel Beristain, who first introduced him to Cuba in a prior project and whose eye for the island’s stark beauty will inform every frame. The film promises to weave together political upheaval, personal obsession, and the looming shadow of J.

E. Hoover, as told to Perlman by late Cuban biographer Enrique Cirules.

It is a narrative that refuses to be reduced to a simple biopic, instead exploring how the writer’s final days intersect with the collapse of Batista’s regime and the rise of Castro. At the same time, Perlman’s Asylm Studios is already expanding its technological horizons.

In partnership with Google’s 100 Zeros, the studio has launched a YouTube channel that delivers *Sedona*’s teaser as a spatial video, compatible with VR and spatial glasses.

The collaboration reflects a growing trend among independent filmmakers to blend immersive tech with storytelling, enabling audiences to experience a film not just on a screen, but in a way that surrounds them.

For a veteran actor whose career has spanned more than five decades, the fusion of classic narrative and cutting‑edge presentation feels like a natural evolution—an acknowledgement that the medium of cinema itself is evolving, even as its core human stories endure. ## Background & Context Asylm Studios was announced last year as a venture spearheaded by Perlman and his longtime collaborator Willie Morris.

The partnership marked a departure from traditional studio systems, with the aim of producing, marketing, and distributing films under one roof.

Although the studio’s finances are still being assembled, the first two projects are already in various stages of post‑production and development. *Sedona* is a fever‑dream psychological horror set in Sedona, featuring a cast that includes Lili Simmons and Israel Broussard.

The film’s premise—an actress who lures an ordinary man to Sedona for a weekend, only to plunge into a spiral of chaos—has been described by the creators as “The White Lotus on acid.” Meanwhile, *Kodak Super XX*, a separate feature starring David Dastmalchian and Kelly Marie Tran, is poised for festival submissions.

Parallel to these projects, Perlman’s schedule is tightly packed. He was recently filming in Ireland for Amazon’s *Seasons*, a horror venture produced by MGM, Blumhouse, and Atomic Monster.

Simultaneously, Asylm is preparing for the production of the Hemingway biopic, slated to begin shooting in Cuba during the cooler months of January or February. The timeline is designed to dovetail with the *Legends* spinoff, which the actor is set to join in March.

The Hemingway project is more than a personal passion.

The estate has openly backed the film, granting the crew access to pivotal locations: Finca Vigía, the former home of the writer that now serves as a museum; La Bodeguita del Medio, where Hemingway once savored mojitos; and the historic Hotel Ambos Mundos, known for its “standing‑up” writing practice.

These sites provide an authentic backdrop that no set could replicate.

The film’s script, derived from Cirules’ accounts, promises to explore the complex interplay between the writer’s political milieu and the escalating paranoia that characterized his final years. ## What People Are Saying Within the industry, reactions to Perlman’s new ventures have been measured but enthusiastic.

Colleagues at Asylm have praised the studio’s “celebration of conventional filmmaking” and its ambition to maintain full creative ownership of its output.

Willie Morris highlighted the studio’s partnership with Google, noting that the technology not only provides financial support but also enriches the viewing experience with spatial elements.

The inclusion of VR and spatial glasses for *Sedona*’s teaser has generated intrigue among audiences who crave more immersive storytelling. Fans of Perlman’s past work have welcomed his continued presence in action and genre films.

His role in the *Legends* spinoff promises a return to the outlaw world that fans loved in *Sons of Anarchy*. In interviews, Perlman expressed admiration for Charlie Hunnam’s contributions to the original series and acknowledged the passion surrounding the franchise’s legacy.

He teased that his character will not only act as a version of himself but will also bring depth to the series’ exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the costs of a life on the edge. The Hemingway biopic has sparked curiosity beyond the fanbase.

Critics and biographers are eager to see how Perlman will interpret a writer known for his stoic exterior and tumultuous interior life.

By collaborating with Beristain, whose work has previously captured Cuban landscapes with striking authenticity, the film is poised to offer a fresh visual palette for Hemingway’s story.

The film’s focus on the political upheaval of 1950s Cuba promises a broader historical narrative that intersects with global events, potentially attracting viewers interested in both literary biography and historical drama. ## What Happens Next Looking ahead, Asylm Studios is poised to secure additional financing to bring its current slate to fruition.

While the studio has not yet announced a formal funding round, the partnership with Google has provided a foundation for future investors, particularly those with an interest in the convergence of film and immersive technology. Production for the Hemingway biopic is slated to commence in January or February.

The team is still confirming whether on‑location shooting in Cuba will be possible, given the logistical and political challenges that arise when filming in the country. A backup plan to shoot in Spain has been outlined, but the studio’s preference remains to capture the authentic Cuban atmosphere.

In parallel, *Legends* is slated for principal photography in March, a schedule that requires precise coordination to avoid overlap with the biopic’s post‑production needs.

The studio’s long‑term vision involves more than just film production; Asylm aims to become a fully integrated entity, controlling the entire lifecycle of its projects from development through distribution.

The inclusion of home entertainment and streaming rights in the studio’s model reflects an understanding of the evolving revenue streams in the film industry. By maintaining artistic control, Perlman hopes to preserve the integrity of the stories he tells, ensuring that each film reaches audiences in its intended form.

As the projects progress, fans can expect a series of updates through Asylm’s YouTube channel, where behind‑the‑scenes footage, trailers, and interactive experiences will be shared.

With Perlman at the helm, the studio’s trajectory promises a blend of seasoned expertise and fresh innovation, positioning it as a formidable force in independent cinema.

The world watches as Ron Perlman turns the page on another chapter of his storied career—this time, on the canvas of Cuban history, while simultaneously steering a new studio toward a future where technology and tradition walk hand in hand.