Hollywood just can’t get enough of Lance Armstrong. Though with a story as interesting as his, it’s no surprise that the studios want to cash in. Already we’ve head of a Alex Gibney documentary that’s on the way, a J.J. Abrams produced feature that’s in the works and then Jay Roach is also looking to make a film on the famed athlete too. Well, it seems that three films about one man is just not enough as now, Stephen Frears is getting is own project underway and has chosen Ben Foster to star.
Scripted by John Hodge (Trainspotting, Trance), the film will follow the Armstrong’s career, focusing on his struggle with cancer as well as the infamous doping charges. Production is set to start this Fall so we should have more casting news shortly. The film is expected to be ready for awards season 2014.
As for Foster, he’s definitely one of the more underrated actors out there, so I’m very pleased to see him land a huge role like this. He’s done some very impressive work in supporting roles over the years (The Messenger, 3:10 To Yuma, Alpha Dog), but he hasn’t really had the chance to take on a good, meaty lead role just yet. With the Armstrong biopic, Foster will finally get his chance in the spotlight, and I don’t think he’ll disappoint.
Tell us, what do you think of Ben Foster playing Lance Armstrong? Are you happy to see him cast in the film? And is it just me or is four Armstrong films way too many?
