Leonardo DiCaprio may soon rev up his engines as he looks to take on the lead role in a biopic about Evel Knievel, the legendary motorcycle daredevil known for his audacious stunts. Paramount Pictures is negotiating a deal with DiCaprio to portray the iconic figure, whose fearless jumps over cars, fountains, and canyons captured the world’s imagination in the 1970s. Damien Chazelle, following his work on “Babylon,” is slated to direct the film under his first-look deal with Paramount.
Negotiations for DiCaprio’s involvement have been in progress for several months. As the deal nears completion, attention turns to other potential cast members. One such name is Adrien Brody, fresh off his Oscar win for “The Brutalist.” Brody has reportedly met with Chazelle for the role of Shelly Saltman, a sports promoter and author who had a notorious encounter with Knievel.
Chazelle, initially involved in a different project, shifted his focus when DiCaprio expressed interest in the Knievel film. The prospect was further sweetened by a script penned by William Monahan, known for his work on DiCaprio’s acclaimed thriller, “The Departed.” If the deal with DiCaprio is finalized, filming could commence as early as this summer, although Paramount has declined to comment on the matter.
Evel Knievel, synonymous with death-defying stunts and showmanship, became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1970s. Despite his reputation for thrilling performances, Knievel’s career faced significant turmoil after a violent altercation with Saltman, triggered by an unfavorable biography penned by the latter. The incident led to Knievel serving jail time and suffering severe financial setbacks, including the loss of sponsorships.
DiCaprio, having recently starred in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” is considering various high-profile projects. His potential acceptance of the Knievel biopic adds another exciting prospect to his repertoire. Meanwhile, Adrien Brody’s potential involvement as Saltman could provide a compelling dynamic to the narrative, reflecting Knievel’s tumultuous legacy.
If the project moves forward, it could reignite interest in Knievel’s daring exploits, presenting modern audiences with a vivid portrayal of the man whose name is carved into the annals of stunt history. With DiCaprio and Brody potentially leading the charge, the film promises to deliver a riveting exploration of fame, ambition, and the fine line between heroism and hubris.
