According to the Hollywood Reporter’s Risky Biz Blog the amazing sports comeback story of the seven-time Tour de France winner from Texas has entered a new stage as Gary Ross, writer/director of that well-received equine comeback story ,”Seabiscuit”, has signed on to write the film.
The movie will be based on Armstrong’s first book, co-written with Sally Jenkins. “It’s Not About the Bike,” traces his story from his difficult Texas upbringing, his cancer diagnosis in 1996, his relationship to first wife Kristin, the birth of their child and his remarkable comeback from illness that saw him win the first of seven Tour de France races in 1999.
Long in the development phase, the film will be produced by Frank Marshall who also produced the Depression-era “Seabiscuit” picture with partner Kathleen Kennedy. Marshall may also direct. The project potentially starts shooting early in 2010.
No actors have been set but some who have looked into the project include Jake Gyllenhaal and Matt Damon.
Certainly Armstrong’s return to racing, overcoming a broken collarbone, becoming a father again, his successful Live Strong humanitarian organization as well as dogged doping allegations, have helped put the film project into a higher gear.
With all the components in place, this has the makings of the best cycling-backdrop film in thirty years, since “Breaking Away” swept to an Oscar victory.
They used several horses to play Seabiscuit, it will be interesting what choice these same filmmakers go with for their lead here.
Hey Stu, wondering if Lance will have any say in casting or work as a technical advisor.
You can act ill in a hospital bed, but I want to see the lead perform some mountain climbs followed by a few treacherous downhill turns!
What a natural story for the movies. Hope it gets a big budget.
Pretty compelling character and cycling has dramatic elements