A fierce bidding war has erupted in Hollywood over the rights to a biopic chronicling the controversial life of Lance Armstrong, the cyclist stripped of his seven Tour de France titles. , Deadline reported that the project, spearheaded by director Edward Berger and screenwriter Zach Baylin, is attracting significant attention from studios.
The project gained momentum after producer Scott Stuber successfully secured Armstrong’s life rights, a process he’s been pursuing for some time. While Armstrong will be involved in the film, he will not hold a producing credit. The ambition, according to sources, is to create a film that captures the energy of recent sports dramas like F1, while also embracing the morally complex narrative style of Martin Scorsese’s The Wolf of Wall Street.
Armstrong’s story is already familiar to many through Stephen Frears’ 2015 film, The Program, which starred Ben Foster as the disgraced athlete. However, that film was a box office disappointment and received a lukewarm critical reception, with Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian describing it as “workmanlike.” This new attempt appears to be aiming for a more ambitious and nuanced portrayal.
The casting of Austin Butler as Armstrong is a significant factor driving the interest. Butler, who earned an Oscar nomination for his transformative performance as Elvis Presley, has quickly become one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors. His recent roles include appearances in The Bikeriders, Eddington, Dune: Part Two, and Caught Stealing. He is also attached to star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming reimagining of American Psycho, demonstrating his willingness to tackle complex and challenging characters.
Edward Berger, the director at the helm, is coming off a string of critical successes. He recently directed the Netflix drama Ballad of a Small Player, starring Colin Farrell, and previously gained acclaim for the papal thriller Conclave. Berger is currently filming an adaptation of Tim Winton’s novel The Riders, featuring Brad Pitt, further solidifying his position as a leading filmmaker.
The screenplay is being penned by Zach Baylin, who received an Oscar nomination for his work on King Richard. Baylin’s other credits include Creed III, Gran Turismo, Bob Marley: One Love, and the recent Netflix series Black Rabbit, showcasing his versatility across different genres and formats.
The timing of this project is noteworthy. The sports biopic genre has experienced a resurgence in recent years, fueled by the success of films like F1. The appetite for stories about ambition, downfall, and redemption appears strong, and Armstrong’s story certainly offers all three in abundance. The film’s potential to explore themes of deception, performance enhancement, and the pressures of elite competition could resonate with audiences.
Beyond the sporting narrative, the project also offers a glimpse into the world of high-stakes dealmaking within Hollywood. The “frenzied” bidding war suggests that studios recognize the commercial potential of a well-executed Armstrong biopic, particularly with Butler in the lead role and a proven creative team attached. The competition for the rights will likely drive up the price, but the potential rewards could be substantial.
The involvement of Armstrong himself, albeit without a producing credit, is a curious element. His participation suggests a desire to control the narrative surrounding his life and career, potentially offering a more personal and introspective account than previous portrayals. However, it also raises questions about the extent to which the film will grapple with the ethical implications of his actions and the harm caused to those who were affected by his deception.
The success of this biopic will likely hinge on its ability to strike a delicate balance between sensationalism and substance. While the story is inherently dramatic, a purely exploitative approach could alienate audiences. A more nuanced and thoughtful exploration of Armstrong’s motivations, flaws, and the broader context of the cycling world could yield a more compelling and enduring film.
As of , Warner Bros. Says it will announce a decision in 10 days, according to reports. The outcome of this bidding war will not only determine the future of this particular project but could also signal broader trends in the Hollywood landscape, particularly regarding the types of stories that studios are willing to invest in and the actors they are eager to collaborate with.
Meanwhile, a separate bidding war is underway for a David Bowie biopic, fueled by Suzi Ronson’s memoir, Me And Mr Jones: My Life With David Bowie And The Spiders From Mars. This suggests a continued appetite for music biopics, particularly those that promise to reveal intimate details about the lives of iconic artists. The competition for these projects underscores the enduring power of celebrity narratives and the potential for these stories to captivate audiences worldwide.
