Austin Butler to Star as Lance Armstrong in New Biopic

The film will explore the cyclist's rise and fall, as well as his contributions to cancer research.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Austin Butler is set to portray controversial cyclist Lance Armstrong in a forthcoming biopic, directed by Edward Berger. The project, which has sparked a bidding war among major studios, will be penned by Zach Baylin, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter behind King Richard. The film will delve into the life of Armstrong, who achieved unprecedented fame by winning the Tour de France a record seven consecutive times, but whose legacy was irrevocably tarnished following a doping scandal.

Why it matters

The announcement of the project comes as interest in Armstrong's story remains high, fueled by the complexities of his achievements, his fall from grace, and his continued presence in the public consciousness. The film promises to offer a nuanced portrayal of a figure who embodies both extraordinary athletic accomplishment and profound ethical failings.

The details

The biopic will explore Armstrong's cycling career, including his record-breaking seven consecutive Tour de France wins, as well as the 2012 United States Anti-Doping Agency investigation that revealed his systematic doping program. The film will also delve into Armstrong's contributions to cancer research and support, following his own diagnosis with testicular cancer and the founding of the Livestrong Foundation.

  • The film is currently in development, with a director, screenwriter, and lead actor attached.
  • The project is being presented to various studio partners, with a bidding war underway.

The players

Austin Butler

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

Edward Berger

The director of the Lance Armstrong biopic, known for his work on the Netflix drama The Ballad of a Small Player.

Zach Baylin

The Oscar-nominated screenwriter who is penning the script for the Lance Armstrong biopic, best known for writing King Richard.

Scott Stuber

The producer who secured the rights to Armstrong's life story for the biopic, and is also producing the film.

Lance Armstrong

The controversial cyclist who won the Tour de France a record seven times, but whose legacy was tarnished by a doping scandal.

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What’s next

The film is currently in the development stage, with the project being presented to various studio partners. The casting of Austin Butler as Lance Armstrong and the involvement of director Edward Berger and screenwriter Zach Baylin suggest that the film is moving forward, but no specific release date has been announced yet.

The takeaway

The Lance Armstrong biopic promises to be a complex and compelling exploration of a figure who achieved remarkable athletic success but also faced significant ethical downfalls. The involvement of talented filmmakers and the continued public interest in Armstrong's story suggest that this project could be a significant addition to the sports biopic genre.