The life story of disgraced former professional cyclist Lance Armstrong is polarizing, to say the least. So it’s no surprise a bidding war among major studios for Edward Berger’s (“Conclave”) upcoming biopic about the athlete is happening.
That bidding war is about to get more frenzied with Oscar nominee Austin Butler (“Dune: Part Two”) is attached to play the controversial cyclist.
Berger will be directing from a script by Zach Baylin (“King Richard”). It will be produced by Berger, Scott Stuber, and Nick Nesbit. Baylin will executive produce Josh Glick and Zac Frognowski.
Armstrong first rose to fame as a beloved professional cyclist who had to take a hiatus to grapple with cancer. Once he returned, he won the famed Tour de France an incredible seven consecutive times. But before this feel-good story could be turned into a film, things took a drastic turn.
Rumors had been swirling for years that Armstrong had been blood doping; he finally confirmed these allegations, killing his career.
His story was told once before in the 2015 film “The Program,” where he was portrayed by Ben Foster (“Christy”). The former athlete had no involvement with the project.
Berger’s biopic will focus on his life and career, covering all of its highs and lows. Unlike the 2015 film, Stuber has made a deal with Armstrong for his life rights. It’s being reported that Baylin not only talked with Armstrong but also spent time with people in his life. Making this the most in-depth look at his story to date.
We’ll keep you posted on details about this project as it develops.
