Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrien Brody are reportedly circling key roles in Damien Chazelle’s highly anticipated Evel Knievel biopic.
The film, which has been generating significant buzz, could see Leonardo DiCaprio stepping into the shoes of the legendary stunt performer, while Brody is eyeing the role of Shelly Saltman, Knievel’s former promoter and one-time adversary.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Leonardo DiCaprio has been in negotiations since late 2024 to take on the role of Knievel, whose death-defying motorcycle stunts made him an icon of the 1970s. Meanwhile, Brody has reportedly met with Chazelle to discuss the part of Saltman, the promoter who became embroiled in one of the most infamous incidents of Knievel’s career. Though no formal offer has been made to Brody, industry insiders believe he is a strong contender for the role.
If Leonardo DiCaprio officially signs on, filming could begin as early as this summer. This project would mark an exciting reunion between DiCaprio and screenwriter William Monahan, who previously collaborated on The Departed. Given Monahan’s knack for crafting gritty, character-driven narratives, the Evel Knievel biopic is expected to delve deep into the complexities of the daredevil’s life, from his exhilarating triumphs to his dramatic downfall.
Knievel, a cultural phenomenon, gained fame with breathtaking stunts, including his legendary jump over the fountains at Caesars Palace. However, his career wasn’t just defined by his fearless performances—it was also marked by controversy. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in 1977 when Knievel viciously attacked Saltman with a baseball bat over a book the promoter had written. Knievel believed the book misrepresented him, and the assault left Saltman with severe injuries, including shattered bones.
The fallout was significant. Knievel was convicted for the attack, which tarnished his reputation and led to career decline. Saltman later won a $12.75 million civil suit against him, but Knievel declared bankruptcy and never paid. Even after Knievel’s death in 2007, Saltman continued to pursue the claim, though the debt remained unsettled until Saltman’s passing in 2019 at age 87.
With Leonardo DiCaprio at the center of this gripping true story, audiences can expect a compelling exploration of Knievel’s meteoric rise and tragic downfall. If all the pieces fall into place, this film could become one of the most talked-about biopics in recent years.