Joe Mantello Signs on for Ryan Murphy's Adaptation of THE NORMAL HEART

Joe Mantello is headed back to THE NORMAL HEART.

The Tony-nominated actor, who portrayed 'Ned Weeks' in the recent Broadway revival of Larry Kramer's THE NORMAL HEART, has officially signed on for the Ryan Murphy-helmed adaptation for HBO . Mantello will take on the role of 'Mickey Marcus.' The actor joins previously announced cast members Julia Roberts, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Bomer, Jim Parsons, and Taylor Kitsch.

Executive produced by Murphy, Jason Blum (the "Paranormal Activity" series, "The Reader"), Dede Gardner ("The Tree of Life," "Eat Pray Love") and Dante di Loreto ("Glee," HBO's "Temple Grandin"), THE NORMAL HEART tells the story of the onset of the HIV-AIDS crisis in New York City in the early 1980s, taking an unflinching look at the nation's sexual politics as gay activists and their allies in the medical Community fought to expose the truth about the burgeoning epidemic to a city in denial.

Production is scheduled to begin later this year in New York for a 2014 premiere.

Roberts plays Dr. Emma Brookner, the paraplegic physician who treats several of theearliest victims of the disease. Ruffalo portrays Ned Weeks, the role Mantello most recently played, who witnesses first-hand the mysterious disease that has begun to claim the lives of many in his gay Community and starts to seek answers. Matt Bomer ("White Collar," "Magic Mike") plays Felix Turner, a reporter who becomes Ned's lover.

In 1981, writer Larry Kramer hosted a gathering of six gay men and their friends to discuss the "gay cancer," and to talk about fundraising for research. This informal meeting in Kramer's home would lead to the formation of Gay Men's Health Crisis, one of the first advocacy groups for HIV prevention and care.

Kramer's play debuted at New York's Public Theatre in 1985 and was revived in Los Angeles and London and off-Broadway. The 2011 Broadway revival garnered five Tony nominations, winning for Best Revival, Best Featured Actor and Best Featured Actress.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / Retna Ltd.