After delivering a compelling performance as Elvis Presley in the 2022 blockbuster Elvis, Academy Award nominee Austin Butler is taking on his next challenging role — a biopic about the infamous cyclist Lance Armstrong. The upcoming untitled Lance Armstrong movie marks Butler’s continued journey into portraying complex real-life figures on the big screen.
According to Variety, Austin Butler has officially signed on to star as Lance Armstrong in a new dramatic film directed by Edward Berger, renowned for his work on All Quiet on the Western Front (2022) and the upcoming Conclave (2024), which earned him an Academy Award for Best International Film. The film will explore the tumultuous life of Lance Armstrong, once celebrated as one of the greatest cyclists in history, before his career was marred by a doping scandal.
Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace occurred in 2012 when it was revealed he used performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career. As a result, he was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from professional cycling. This biopic aims to delve into Armstrong’s controversial life story, shedding light on his rise, fall, and the complex legacy he leaves behind.
The project is currently in high demand, with major studios and streaming platforms competing in a bidding war to secure distribution rights. The film will be directed by Edward Berger, known for his acclaimed work on All Quiet on the Western Front, and produced by Scott Stuber, a former Netflix executive who has acquired Armstrong’s life rights. Producer Nick Nesbit is also on board to bring this compelling story to audiences.
Screenwriter Zach Baylin, acclaimed for King Richard, has been tapped to craft the screenplay, promising an intense and nuanced portrayal of Armstrong’s life. This isn’t the first time Lance Armstrong’s story has been adapted for film; Stephen Frears directed the 2015 movie The Program, starring Ben Foster as Armstrong.
Austin Butler’s recent projects include the crime thriller Caught Stealing, and he is currently attached to several high-profile films, such as the crime drama Enemies with Jeremy Allen White, the Miami Vice reboot with Michael B. Jordan, the racing drama American Speed with Tom Holland, and a rumored Heat sequel.
As anticipation builds, this untitled Lance Armstrong biopic promises to be a gripping exploration of one of sports’ most controversial figures, with Austin Butler poised to deliver another transformative performance. Stay tuned for updates on this highly anticipated project.
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