Out of My Mind: Release date, Trailer, cast, plot, & more About the Cerebral Palsy Coming-of-Age Movie

Disney+ just dropped the trailer and key art for Out of My Mind, perfectly timed with World Cerebral Palsy Day on Oct. 6, 2024. This upcoming Disney Original film, based on the best-selling novel by Sharon M. Draper, is already creating waves. 

With an inspiring storyline and a stellar cast, including Phoebe-Rae Taylor in her screen debut alongside seasoned actors like Rosemarie DeWitt, Luke Kirby, Judith Light, and Jennifer Aniston, Out of My Mind promises to tug at the heartstrings of audiences worldwide. 

The story centers around Melody Brooks, a young girl with cerebral palsy, as she faces the challenges of sixth grade while navigating a world that often underestimates her abilities.

The latest trailer reveals a glimpse of Melody’s journey and highlights the movie's emotional depth. Fans of the novel are eager to see how the film brings this beloved character to life, especially after its impressive premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received glowing praise. With Taylor's captivating portrayal of Melody, the film is shaping up to be a must-watch.

This article will cover everything you need to know about Out of My Mind, from the key cast members to exciting behind-the-scenes insights. Stay tuned as we keep updating with fresh information—there’s plenty more to discover about this highly anticipated release!

Release date & Where to Watch

The Disney Original Movie Out of My Mind will begin streaming on Disney+ on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024. It first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival on Jan. 19, 2024, where it received two standing ovations. Before its streaming debut, the film will have a New York premiere on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, as part of the ReelAbilities Film Festival.

Plot

Melody Brooks, a sixth grader with cerebral palsy, is incredibly intelligent with a photographic memory. Despite being non-verbal and using a wheelchair, she’s determined to prove that her abilities go far beyond what her peers and teachers perceive. 

With the support of a young educator who recognizes her potential, and assistive technology that helps her communicate, Melody begins to participate in mainstream classes. As she navigates the challenges of school life, she shows everyone that it’s not how she communicates but what she has to say that truly matters.

Cast

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• Phoebe-Rae Taylor as Melody Brooks
• Jennifer Aniston (Friends, Murder Mystery) as Melody’s inner voice
• Rosemarie DeWitt (The Staircase) as Diane
• Luke Kirby (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) as Chuck
• Michael Chernus as Mr. Dimming
• Courtney Taylor as Dr. Katherine Post
• Judith Light (American Crime Story) as Mrs. V.
• Emily Mitchell as Penny Brooks
• Kate Moyer as Claire West
• Sharron Matthews as Mrs. Billups
• Catherine McNally as Mrs. Antelucci
• David Klein as Production Assistant
• Ian Ho as Connor Bates
• Noah Lamanna as Linguini Server
• Jeff Roop as Mr. Potts
• Kim Huffman as Dr. Gardner
• Gavin MacIver-Wright as Rodney Walsh
• Isaiah Rockcliffe as Leon - Dimmings Student

Official Trailer

On Nov. 20, 2024, a featurette was released showcasing how the journey from a book to a film became possible. Check out the video below:

A day after, another featurette was released. It showed the cast and crew talking about what makes the film special and why they were determined to bring it to life. Check the video below:

Is Out of My Mind Based on a true Story?

Out of My Mind is not based on a true story, but Sharon Draper drew inspiration from personal experiences. While the novel itself is fictional, Draper has a disabled daughter, which helped her create Melody, the main character, as a realistic portrayal of someone living with a disability. Draper’s experience as a mother gave her insight into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, but she wasn’t aiming to replicate any specific person's life.

To add authenticity to the story, Draper conducted thorough research and volunteered at a camp for children with disabilities, observing how they were treated in various social situations. Although Melody's story is fictional, the experiences she encounters are true-to-life, reflecting the reality of many intelligent individuals who are limited by physical constraints. 

Draper emphasizes that she wanted Melody to be seen as a unique person with her own strengths and weaknesses, not just a representative of a group. As she puts it, “The story of Melody is fictional, of course, but based on the reality of thousands of intelligent children and adults who are trapped inside uncooperative bodies.”

Behind the Scenes

Out of My Mind, from Disney Branded Television, is produced by Big Beach LLC, Participant Films LLC, and EveryWhere Studios LLC. The film is produced by Academy Award nominee Peter Saraf, Robert Kessel, Dan Angel, and Michael B. Clark. 

Amber Sealey (No Man of God) directs the project from an adapted screenplay written by Humanitas Prize winner Daniel Stiepleman (On the Basis of Sex). 

Executive producers include Jeff Skoll, Eddie Rubin, Leah Holzer, Tom Mazza, David Calvert Jones, Brian Gott, and Alex Turtletaub. Consultants for the film include Richard Ellenson, Thomas Ellenson, Lawrence Carter-Long, and the disability-led nonprofit RespectAbility.