20th Century Studios has picked up the long-gestating feature adaptation of The Devil in the White City.
The film is in development at the studio and has Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to star and Martin Scorsese in talks to direct. It is based on author Erik Larson’s 2003 true-crime nonfiction book of the same name.
This iteration of the project is in early stages and does not currently have a script. Serving as producers are DiCaprio, Scorsese, Stacey Sher, Rick Yorn and Jennifer Davisson.
Larson’s best-selling book The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is set in Chicago at the end of the 19th century and focuses on World’s Fair architect Daniel Burnham and serial killer H.H. Holmes.
Back in 2010, The Hollywood Reporter reported that DiCaprio was developing a film based on the book through his shingle Appian Way. At the time, DiCaprio was eyeing the role of Holmes.
Prior to that, Kathryn Bigelow was attached to direct a previous version, while another iteration had Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner involved.
In 2019, Hulu began developing the book as a series that would eventually have Keanu Reeves attached to star, with Todd Field set to direct the first two episodes. DiCaprio and Scorsese were on board as producers. The streamer confirmed in 2023 that the series was not moving forward.
Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios president David Greenbaum will oversee the feature for the studio, alongside 20th Century’s production president Steve Abell and senior vp of production Sarah Shepard.
Scorsese and DiCaprio are known for a number of high-profile feature collaborations, including Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, The Departed, The Aviator and Gangs of New York.
DiCaprio’s next movie is the untitled forthcoming feature from Paul Thomas Anderson that Warner Bros. is scheduled to release later this year.
Deadline was first to report on 20th Century’s involvement.
