It's well known that the world is always hunting for stories, and in a period like this where biopics have become a trend, cycling has become the ideal pool to draw from. Among the many Hollywood projects, a film dedicated to Lance Armstrong is also in the works who, across the ocean, has always enjoyed a true mythology fueled by statements and initiatives that then completely destroyed itself with his confession on Oprah Winfrey's show in January 2013.

According to Variety, there has been a real battle among major film studios to secure Armstrong's story, which is still capable of fascinating many Americans. Swiss-Austrian director Edward Berger, an Oscar winner for "All Quiet on the Western Front" and who directed "Conclave" in 2024, is set to direct the new project. Lance Armstrong will be portrayed by Austin Butler, one of the most promising actors of the new generation and already loved by audiences for his portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll in Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis". The most interesting news comes from the writing department; according to rumors, a first draft of the screenplay has already been written by Zach Baylin. The American screenwriter has already worked on "King Richard - A Winning Family" which tells the story of the Williams sisters' father, a strong story of sports and family that suggests the film about Armstrong might finally touch the more personal and emotional side of the former athlete.

Over the years, cinema has tried multiple times to tell the story of Lance Armstrong, often creating documentaries with the athlete himself as the protagonist. In 2015, "The Program" was released, a film based on the book "Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong" by journalist David Walsh, who was the first to investigate the American cyclist. Despite great anticipation, the film was rather disappointing, with minimal box office returns and an Armstrong portrayed almost as a victim of his own choices. Will this be the right time?

(photo Variety)