Austin Butler to portray Lance Armstrong in Edward Berger’s upcoming biopic

Austin Butler will play Lance Armstrong in a new biopic by Edward Berger, triggering a major studio bidding war

Oscar nominee Austin Butler is set to portray controversial cycling icon Lance Armstrong in an upcoming biographical film directed by Edward Berger, the acclaimed filmmaker behind All Quiet on the Western Front and Conclave. 

The project is already generating significant buzz across Hollywood, reportedly triggering a bidding war among major studios and streaming platforms eager to secure distribution rights.

The film will chronicle Armstrong’s extraordinary rise in professional cycling, including his dominance at the Tour de France, as well as the doping scandal that ultimately dismantled his legacy. Unlike previous screen adaptations, the production has secured Armstrong’s life rights, suggesting a more detailed and authorized look at the athlete’s personal and professional journey.

Scott Stuber, former head of Netflix Films who recently transitioned to United Artists under Amazon, is producing the project alongside Nick Nesbit. Although Stuber has a first-look deal with United Artists, sources indicate the Armstrong film was developed before that agreement, leaving multiple buyers in contention.

The screenplay will be written by Zach Baylin, best known for his Oscar-nominated work on King Richard. With Baylin attached and Berger directing, the film is expected to balance emotional depth with a critical examination of one of sports’ most infamous scandals.

Butler continues to build momentum following his Academy Award-nominated performance in Elvis. He recently appeared in Darren Aronofsky’s Caught Stealing and will next star in the crime drama Enemies opposite Jeremy Allen White. Meanwhile, Berger is preparing additional high-profile projects, including an adaptation of Tim Winton’s The Riders starring Brad Pitt.

With major talent both in front of and behind the camera, the Armstrong biopic is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched sports films currently in development.