Austin Butler, the Oscar-nominated actor, is set to play the troubled cyclist Lance Armstrong in an upcoming biopic. This project has sparked a “frenzied” bidding war in Hollywood, according to Deadline. Edward Berger, known for directing Conclave, will take the reins, while Zach Baylin, who wrote King Richard, will craft the script.
Producer Scott Stuber has been working hard to secure Armstrong’s life rights, and a deal is finally in place. Armstrong will be involved in the film but won’t have a producing role. The film aims to blend the excitement of Formula 1 with the drama of The Wolf of Wall Street, especially following the recent Oscar wins for the latter.
Armstrong’s rise to fame included winning the Tour de France seven times from 1998 to 2005. However, his career took a dramatic turn in 2012 when an investigation revealed he had used performance-enhancing drugs. This led to the loss of his titles and a lifetime ban from cycling.
In 2015, his story was depicted in The Program, directed by Stephen Frears. That film, featuring Ben Foster as Armstrong, struggled at the box office and received mixed reviews. The Guardian described it as “workmanlike” in a three-star review.
Butler has been making waves in Hollywood, especially after his performance in Elvis, which earned him a best actor nomination. He has taken on multiple roles since, including parts in The Bikeriders and Dune: Part Two, and he’s set to star in the crime thriller Enemies alongside Jeremy Allen White.
Edward Berger brings experience from both critical and commercial successes. His recent work includes the Netflix drama Ballad of a Small Player, featuring Colin Farrell. He is currently filming an adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel, The Riders, with Brad Pitt.
Baylin, known for his Oscar-nominated script for King Richard, has an impressive list of credits, including Creed III and Gran Turismo. With such talent behind this biopic, it’s poised to stir up conversations about Armstrong’s controversial legacy in the world of sports.
The cycling world remains divided over Armstrong’s past. While some fans still admire his achievements, others grapple with the implications of his doping scandal. This film might reignite debates on integrity in sports and the price of success.
For further details on Armstrong’s career and impact, you can check out this informative overview from BBC News.
