The movie, starring Mark Ruffalo and Matt Bomer and directed by Ryan Murphy, is about the AIDS crisis as it developed in New York City in the 1980s. It is based on the Tony Award-winning play by Larry Kramer.

 

Ruffalo portrays a gay man who watches as the disease decimates his community, and Bomer is a reporter covering the unknown disease.

 

The movie also stars Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) as gay activist Tommy Boatwright, and Julia Roberts as a physician treating early cases.

 

"We are so proud to be involved with this monumental project," HBO programming president Michael Lombardo said. "Ryan has assembled an extraordinary cast to bring Larry Kramer's landmark theatrical achievement to the screen for the first time, and we couldn't be more thrilled to bring this important film to HBO."

 

The Normal Heart premiers on HBO on May 25.