Austin Butler to play Lance Armstrong in big-screen biopic

The announcement has sparked a 'frenzied' bidding war among Hollywood studios, signaling a continued appetite for compelling sports narratives.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Austin Butler, fresh off critically acclaimed roles in Elvis, Dune: Part Two, and The Bikeriders, is set to tackle the complex and controversial figure of Lance Armstrong in a new biopic. The film, directed by Edward Berger and written by Zach Baylin, aims to explore the darker aspects of Armstrong's story, including his use of performance-enhancing drugs and the moral compromises that accompanied his rise and fall.

Why it matters

The fascination with sports biopics has intensified in recent years, with films like Ford v Ferrari and Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere demonstrating the public's hunger for stories of athletic achievement, personal struggle, and the price of fame. The Armstrong project, with its focus on the darker side of his legacy, taps into a broader cultural trend of audiences being drawn to flawed heroes and morally ambiguous characters.

The details

The announcement of Austin Butler's casting has already sparked a 'frenzied' bidding war among Hollywood studios, signaling the continued demand for compelling sports narratives. The film, directed by Edward Berger and written by Zach Baylin, aims to capture the tone of The Wolf of Wall Street, suggesting a focus on the excesses and moral compromises that accompanied Armstrong's rise and fall.

  • The announcement was reported by Deadline and The Guardian on February 6, 2026.

The players

Austin Butler

An American actor who has received critical acclaim for his roles in Elvis, Dune: Part Two, and The Bikeriders.

Edward Berger

A German film director known for directing Conclave and Ballad of a Small Player.

Zach Baylin

An American screenwriter who wrote the script for King Richard.

Lance Armstrong

A former professional cyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles due to his use of performance-enhancing drugs.

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What’s next

The film is currently in the early stages of development, with no set release date announced yet. Securing Lance Armstrong's life rights is a significant step towards a more comprehensive and nuanced portrayal of his story.

The takeaway

The success of this film could pave the way for a new wave of sports biopics focusing on controversial figures, as the public's appetite for stories that delve into the darker side of athletic achievement seems insatiable.