Austin Butler to Play Disgraced Cyclist Lance Armstrong in Biopic

The actor will portray the rise and fall of the celebrated cyclist in a new film directed by Edward Berger.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Austin Butler, known for his acclaimed portrayal of Elvis Presley, is set to star as disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong in a new biopic. The film, directed by Edward Berger, will chronicle Armstrong's remarkable athletic achievements and his eventual downfall due to a systematic doping program. This marks the first time Armstrong has granted access to his life rights for a film adaptation.

Why it matters

Armstrong's story continues to captivate audiences, as it represents a dramatic arc of triumph, betrayal, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film will need to navigate the complexities of Armstrong's character and the ethical implications of his actions, which led to him being stripped of his seven Tour de France titles and banned from the sport for life.

The details

The biopic will cover Armstrong's entire life and career, including his battle with cancer, his cycling triumphs, and the doping scandal that ultimately unraveled his legacy. Producer Scott Stuber has secured Armstrong's life rights, ensuring the film will have the cyclist's involvement in the development process, though he will not have a producing credit.

  • In 2013, Armstrong confessed to doping throughout most of his career in an interview with Oprah Winfrey.
  • As a result of his confession, Armstrong was stripped of all seven Tour de France titles and banned from the sport for life.

The players

Austin Butler

An American actor who is set to portray Lance Armstrong in the upcoming biopic.

Lance Armstrong

A former professional cyclist who won seven consecutive Tour de France titles, but was later stripped of his titles and banned from the sport for life due to a systematic doping program.

Edward Berger

The director of the Lance Armstrong biopic, known for his work on films like 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and 'Conclave'.

Scott Stuber

The producer of the Lance Armstrong biopic, who has a long-standing relationship with Armstrong and has secured the cyclist's life rights for the film.

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What’s next

The film is currently in development, and further updates on the project are expected as it progresses.

The takeaway

The Lance Armstrong biopic presents a unique challenge in portraying a protagonist who is both inspiring and deeply flawed. The film will need to navigate the complexities of Armstrong's character and the ethical implications of his actions, which ultimately led to the unraveling of his legacy.