Paramount Pictures’ long-rumoured biopic about legendary stuntman Evel Knievel is reportedly gaining momentum, with Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio being considered for the titular role. According to The Illuminerdi, DiCaprio is in discussions to portray the iconic daredevil, though the actor has yet to confirm the reports.
The biopic, based on Sheldon Saltman’s controversial 1977 book Evel Knievel On Tour, will now be scripted by Terrence Winter, acclaimed for his Oscar-nominated work on The Wolf of Wall Street. Winter replaces William Monahan, who initially penned the script and won an Academy Award for The Departed. However, as per reports, the film’s director is yet to be finalised.
Evel Knievel, often referred to as “The Last Gladiator,” rose to prominence as a motorcycle stuntman known for his death-defying feats. Over his career, Knievel attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps, including his infamous stunts at Caesars Palace and Snake River Canyon, which resulted in serious injuries. Despite enduring over 433 bone fractures, Knievel’s fearless performances and showmanship cemented his status as a cultural icon.
The book Evel Knievel On Tour chronicles Knievel’s career but sparked controversy upon its release. Outraged by what he considered false claims about his personal life, Knievel famously attacked author Sheldon Saltman with a baseball bat, breaking his arm. This incident added to the complex and turbulent legacy of the stuntman, which the biopic is expected to explore.
Meanwhile, DiCaprio is set to appear in Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming crime drama The Battle of Baktan Cross, scheduled for release in August 2025. The star-studded cast includes Regina Hall, Sean Penn, Alana Haim, Teyana Taylor, Wood Harris, and Benicio del Toro.
With DiCaprio potentially stepping into the boots of Evel Knievel, the biopic promises to bring the life of one of America’s most daring performers to a new generation of audiences.
