Austin Butler Cast as Lance Armstrong in Upcoming Biopic Film
Austin Butler, the acclaimed Oscar-nominated actor, will portray Lance Armstrong in an upcoming biopic. This project aims to capture the complexities of Armstrong’s controversial life as a cyclist.
A Buzzy New Biopic
The film is generating significant buzz, having sparked a competitive bidding war in Hollywood. Edward Berger, known for directing “Conclave,” is set to helm the film. Meanwhile, Zach Baylin, who received an Oscar nomination for “King Richard,” will handle the screenplay.
Production Details
- Director: Edward Berger
- Writer: Zach Baylin
- Producer: Scott Stuber
Scott Stuber has been instrumental in securing the life rights of Lance Armstrong, a deal that has recently been finalized. Although Armstrong will participate in the film, he will not serve as a producer.
The Story of a Disgraced Champion
Lance Armstrong rose to fame by winning the Tour de France seven consecutive times from 1998 to 2005. However, in 2012, an investigation revealed his use of performance-enhancing drugs, stripping him of his titles and resulting in a lifetime ban.
This biopic aims to blend elements reminiscent of “F1” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.” Brad Pitt’s recent film in the racing genre received multiple Oscar nominations, including a nod for Best Picture.
A Complex Legacy
Armstrong’s narrative has been explored previously in Stephen Frears’ 2015 film, “The Program,” where Ben Foster portrayed him. Unfortunately, that film was considered a box office flop, garnering mixed reviews from critics.
Austin Butler’s Recent Work
Since earning his Oscar nomination for “Elvis,” Butler has appeared in several projects, including “The Bikeriders,” “Eddington,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “Caught Stealing.” He is also attached to star as Patrick Bateman in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of “American Psycho.” His upcoming role in the crime thriller “Enemies” alongside Jeremy Allen White further showcases his range.
Edward Berger’s Directorial Expertise
Edward Berger gained acclaim with “Conclave” and followed that success with the Netflix drama “Ballad of a Small Player,” featuring Colin Farrell. Currently, he is filming an adaptation of Tim Winton’s celebrated novel “The Riders,” once again collaborating with Brad Pitt.
With the combination of Austin Butler’s rising star power and a compelling team of creatives, the Lance Armstrong biopic promises to be an engaging portrayal of an athlete’s fall from grace.
