A recent report from Collider claims a film revolving around Lance Armstrong is gaining momentum fast, attracting the support of both J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk in the process.
A Lance Armostrong movie has been in the works for quite some time, garnering attention from such stars as Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal at different times. To be sure, that particular hypothetical film cast a sunnier light on the seven-time Tour de France winner, presumably showcasing the achievements of a deserved champion. Following Lance Armstrong’s confession regarding doping charges, the focus of such a film has drastically changed.
Deadline reports that J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk have acquired the screen rights to the book proposal Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong by Juliet Macur. That’s right folks: Abrams and Burk have bought the screen rights to a story that hasn’t even been published yet. To say scandal sells would be quite the understatement.
It’s not yet certain to which capacity J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk will be involved in the project, but rumors maintain they’ll only be on board as producers. J.J. Abrams is known, of course for directing Mission Impossible III, the two-part Lost pilot, Super 8 and the latest two Star Trek films. His production experience is mainly in regards to his own films and a handful of television shows. Bryan Burk has aided him in these endeavors.
It’s tough to call this one, but seeing J.J. Abrams this excited about a project that doesn’t even have a narrative yet is enough to pique one’s interest. The classic story of a champion falling from grace also makes for an astounding dramatic base. Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong isn’t set to hit bookshelves until June 18, according to Amazon. That leaves plenty of time for speculation and maybe enough time for Lance Armstrong to get his name, bike, and legacy out of the mud before Hollywood catches up.
