Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy are teaming up for an emotionally powerful new romantic drama. The two acclaimed British actors have been cast as real-life lovers Bill Hayes and Oliver Sacks in the upcoming film adaptation of Insomniac City, based on Hayes's celebrated memoir.
A fascinating new film project is bringing together two generations of British acting talent. Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy are set to portray one of the most touching real-life love stories in recent literary history in the upcoming adaptation of Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me.
The announcement has attracted attention because of its unusual central romance, impressive creative team and deeply personal source material. Rather than telling a conventional love story, the film will explore grief, loneliness, unexpected romance and the possibility of finding happiness again after experiencing devastating loss.
Dominic Cooke is attached to direct the movie, with the screenplay being developed by Cooke alongside Bill Hayes, the author of the original memoir.
Jonathan Bailey to Play Writer Bill Hayes
Jonathan Bailey will portray Bill Hayes, an American writer, photographer and memoirist whose personal experiences inspired Insomniac City.
Bailey has become one of the most recognisable actors of his generation, particularly following his performances in Netflix's Bridgerton, the television drama Fellow Travelers and the blockbuster musical films Wicked and Wicked: For Good.
His performance in Fellow Travelers demonstrated his ability to portray complicated romantic relationships and emotionally challenging experiences. That background makes his casting in Insomniac City particularly interesting.
The film will follow Hayes as he attempts to rebuild his life after losing his longtime partner. His journey eventually brings him closer to Oliver Sacks, transforming an unexpected friendship into a meaningful romantic relationship.
Bill Nighy to Portray Legendary Neurologist Oliver Sacks
Bill Nighy will take on the role of Oliver Sacks, the internationally recognised neurologist and bestselling author.
Sacks was famous for documenting extraordinary neurological conditions and exploring the relationship between the human brain, identity and consciousness. His writing introduced complicated medical subjects to readers through fascinating personal stories.
Nighy is widely respected for his performances in films such as Love Actually, About Time, Living and the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
His casting brings considerable dramatic experience to a story that requires emotional sensitivity and a nuanced portrayal of a real historical figure.
What Is Insomniac City About?
The upcoming movie is based on Bill Hayes's 2017 memoir, Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me.
The book documents Hayes's experiences after moving to New York City in 2009 following the sudden death of his longtime partner, Steve.
Struggling with grief and trying to find a new direction in life, Hayes begins exploring New York through photography, writing and encounters with its residents.
During this period, he develops a closer relationship with Oliver Sacks, whose medical writing he already admired.
What begins as a friendship eventually becomes a romantic relationship that changes both men's lives.
The memoir combines personal storytelling, observations about New York, reflections on love and an exploration of mortality. It also provides an intimate look at the final years of Sacks's life.
The Real-Life Love Story of Bill Hayes and Oliver Sacks
One of the most compelling elements of the adaptation is that its central romance actually happened.
Bill Hayes and Oliver Sacks shared a relationship that lasted approximately six years, beginning after they connected in New York.
Their relationship was particularly meaningful for Sacks, who had spent much of his life without a conventional romantic partnership.
Together, they experienced companionship, affection and a new chapter of happiness.
However, their time together was eventually overshadowed by Sacks's declining health. The celebrated neurologist died from cancer in August 2015.
Following his death, Hayes continued to preserve their memories through writing, photography and his memoir.
The book offers readers a deeply personal perspective on their relationship and the importance of finding love even when life brings unexpected challenges.
Who Is Directing Insomniac City?
Dominic Cooke is attached to direct the upcoming adaptation.
The British director has previously worked on projects including On Chesil Beach and The Courier. His experience with character-driven storytelling makes him an interesting choice for a film based on such personal source material.
Cooke is also working on the screenplay alongside Bill Hayes, allowing the author to bring his firsthand understanding of the events and people into the adaptation.
The production team includes Troy Lum, Andrew Mason, Jonathan Bailey, Mike Goodridge and Gabrielle Tana. Brouhaha Entertainment is involved in the production, while Altitude is handling international sales.
Why Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy's Casting Is Interesting
The casting brings together two actors with very different screen personalities and career histories.
Bailey has established himself as a leading man through major television and film projects, while Nighy has built a reputation for sophisticated, understated and emotionally layered performances.
Their involvement could help the film reach audiences interested in both contemporary romantic dramas and character-focused biographical stories.
Bailey's previous work in Fellow Travelers also makes his involvement particularly noteworthy for viewers familiar with his performances in LGBTQ+ romantic storytelling.
Meanwhile, Nighy's portrayal of Oliver Sacks will introduce audiences to the personal side of a remarkable historical figure whose professional achievements are already widely recognised.
Insomniac City Movie: Release Date and Production Details
Although the casting and creative team have been announced, several important details remain unknown.
The project is being introduced to international film buyers at the American Film Market in November 2026.
At present, an official theatrical release date, filming schedule, full supporting cast and streaming distribution details have not been announced.
Here is what is currently known:
- Movie: Insomniac City
- Genre: Romantic drama / biographical film
- Director: Dominic Cooke
- Bill Hayes: Jonathan Bailey
- Oliver Sacks: Bill Nighy
- Screenplay: Dominic Cooke and Bill Hayes
- Based on: Insomniac City: New York, Oliver, and Me (2017)
- Production: Brouhaha Entertainment
- International sales: Altitude
- Release date: Not announced
More details about the production are expected as the project develops.
Final Thoughts
The Insomniac City adaptation could become a particularly memorable project for Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy.
At its heart, the story is about two people who discover love when neither necessarily expects it. It explores how grief can change someone's life, how meaningful relationships can emerge from unexpected circumstances and how love can bring happiness even during difficult times.
With Dominic Cooke directing and Bill Hayes involved in adapting his own memoir, the film has an opportunity to preserve the emotional honesty that made the original book special.
For fans of Jonathan Bailey, Bill Nighy and meaningful romantic dramas, Insomniac City is certainly a project worth watching.
Are you excited to see Jonathan Bailey and Bill Nighy portray Bill Hayes and Oliver Sacks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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