Austin Butler to Star as Lance Armstrong in New Film

The Conclave director Edward Berger will helm the project produced by Scott Stuber.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Austin Butler is set to play cyclist Lance Armstrong in a new film directed by Edward Berger, the filmmaker behind the Netflix series Conclave. The project is being produced by Scott Stuber, who had been developing the Armstrong film before relaunching United Artists and partnering with Amazon.

Why it matters

This film will bring renewed attention to the controversial story of Lance Armstrong, the former professional cyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs. The casting of Austin Butler, known for his roles in Elvis and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, suggests the filmmakers are aiming to create an awards-season contender.

The details

Details about the film's plot and production timeline have not been released, but the project will likely explore Armstrong's rise to fame, his doping scandal, and the fallout from his admission of cheating. Berger's involvement as director indicates the film may take a more nuanced approach to Armstrong's story compared to previous dramatizations.

  • The film is currently in development, with no set release date announced.

The players

Austin Butler

An American actor known for his roles in Elvis and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, who will portray cyclist Lance Armstrong in the new film.

Edward Berger

The German filmmaker who will direct the Lance Armstrong biopic, known for his work on the Netflix series Conclave.

Scott Stuber

The producer who is overseeing the development of the Lance Armstrong film, and previously relaunched United Artists in partnership with Amazon.

Lance Armstrong

The former professional cyclist who was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after admitting to using performance-enhancing drugs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The film is still in early development, with no confirmed release date or additional casting announcements made yet.

The takeaway

This new Lance Armstrong biopic, led by acclaimed director Edward Berger and starring rising actor Austin Butler, has the potential to provide a fresh and nuanced perspective on one of the most controversial figures in sports history.