Damien Chazelle trades Evel Knievel film with Leonardo DiCaprio for prison drama starring Cillian Murphy, Daniel Craig
Oscar-winning writer/director Damien Chazelle ('La La Land') may have faced box office challenges with his last two films, First Man and Babylon, but he continues to draw top-tier talent.
Despite underperforming financially, Chazelle remains a favorite among Hollywood's A-list, keeping studios invested in his creative ventures.
His next project was initially slated to be an Evel Knievel biopic, potentially starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, according to Deadline, the deal couldn't be finalized—likely due to financial demands—prompting Chazelle to pivot to a prison drama he's been developing for several years. With that shift, he's reportedly lined up Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy (Oppenheimer) and Academy Award nominee Daniel Craig for lead roles.
With Evel Knievel on hold and deals not yet finalized, the prison drama is now positioned as Chazelle's next project, with production expected to begin later this year. While plot details remain under wraps, Chazelle will direct and has written the script. He will also produce through his Wild Chickens Productions banner alongside Olivia Hamilton.
Given Chazelle's efficient production style, a fall shoot could set the film up for a Venice 2026 premiere—the same festival where La La Land made its acclaimed debut.
Though Babylon grossed just $63 million worldwide against an $80 million budget, and First Man brought in $105.6 million globally, Chazelle continues to earn the confidence of studios and collaborators. This pivot underscores his range, transitioning from ambitious spectacle to grounded, character-driven storytelling.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
43 minutes ago
- Express Tribune
Van Hunt's proposal to Halle Berry 'still floating', while she defends 'spinning' Mother's Day post
Halle Berry opens up about her relationship with Van Hunt, her thoughts on marriage, and reactions to a controversial Mother's Day post Halle Berry recently discussed her relationship with boyfriend Van Hunt, the couple's views on marriage, and the controversy surrounding her Mother's Day post in an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends. In the candid interview, the Oscar-winning actress revealed that while her relationship with Hunt is thriving, she is taking her time with marriage, despite Hunt's proposal. Berry and Hunt, who have been together since 2020, shared a playful moment when Hunt revealed that he had already proposed to Berry. "I put out the proposal, and it's still on hold," Hunt joked, adding that the proposal was "floating out there" while they wait for Berry's decision. The 58-year-old actress responded with a laugh, explaining that marriage isn't a necessity for them to validate their love. She emphasized that both she and Hunt had been married before, and after multiple marriages, they are in no rush. 'We don't feel like we have to get married to validate our love in any way,' Berry said, adding that when they do marry, it will be because they genuinely want to, not out of obligation. Regarding when they might tie the knot, Berry assured fans, 'I think we will get married just because, out of the people I've been married to, this is the person I should have married.' She hinted that it would happen 'soon,' but reiterated that their bond does not need a wedding certificate to be strong. Berry also addressed the backlash she received following her sultry Mother's Day post, in which she promoted her Let's Spin intimacy gel alongside Hunt. The video, caused a stir with some commenters questioning why Berry wasn't spending the day with her children. 'It's not 'Kid's Day,'' she responded, emphasizing that she had every right to enjoy her day how she saw fit. Berry, who has two children from previous relationships, said she believes it's important for mothers to take time for themselves and have their own celebrations. Though critics were vocal about the post, Berry remained firm in her stance, saying, 'If I want to be in bed and spin with my man, then that's what I'm going to do.' While Berry's relationship with Hunt is a key part of her life, she has consistently emphasized that her children and family are her top priorities. However, she also revealed how fulfilled she feels in her current romantic relationship, saying that it makes her a better mother. 'I feel happy in my life romantically, as a mother, as an artist,' Berry reflected. 'I'm a much better mother in this circumstance than I would have been had I stayed in a romantic relationship that didn't serve me.' As for her thoughts on marriage, it seems only a matter of time before the couple takes the next step, but on their terms, and in their own time.
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Miley Cyrus reveals why she took relaxed approach to promoting ‘Endless Summer Vacation'
During a recent appearance on The Tonight Show, Miley Cyrus explained her unconventional strategy for promoting her 2023 album Endless Summer Vacation. Rather than following traditional marketing methods, she opted for a relaxed approach that aligned with the album's laid-back theme. 'I cleverly titled my last album Endless Summer Vacation so then I could be on vacation and that could be part of my aesthetic,' Cyrus told host Jimmy Fallon. 'So all I had to do was take pictures of me in a bathing suit and be like, 'ESV!' and that was the promo.' Miley Cyrus talking about her fans commenting that she wasn't promoting her last album 😭 'I just cleverly titled my last album Endless Summer Vacation so then I could be on vacation and it would look like that was a part of my aesthetic.' — Miley Edition (@MileyEdition) June 5, 2025 She added that some fans were confused by the lack of traditional marketing efforts. 'All my fans were like, 'You're not promoting this album!' I was like, 'I'm making the next one, people!'' Despite the low-key rollout, Endless Summer Vacation became one of Cyrus's most well-received projects. The album featured the Grammy-winning hit 'Flowers' and was accompanied by a Disney+ special, Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), showcasing her performances in an intimate setting. Now moving on from the ESV era, Cyrus has launched her latest project, Something Beautiful, released on May 30. The album marks her first visual LP and has already earned critical acclaim. Industry forecasts predict a strong debut on the charts, with Something Beautiful expected to land at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. If it does, it will become her highest-charting album since 2020's Plastic Hearts.
Express Tribune
12 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star in new trailer for "Wicked: For Good"
The first full-length trailer for Wicked: For Good, the sequel to the hit Wicked film, has been released with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reprising their roles as Glinda and Elphaba in this eagerly awaited continuation of the Wizard of Oz spin-off. The film, based on the popular Broadway musical, will be released on November 21 2025. The production of both films took place at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, between December 2022 and January 2024, though filming was briefly interrupted by the Hollywood actors' strike. Following the success of the first film, which grossed over $750 million and earned 10 Oscar nominations, the sequel will see Elphaba branded an enemy of Oz, while Glinda becomes a puppet of the Wizard (Jeff Goldblum). The trailer teases an emotional journey with new songs, two of which, 'For Good' and 'No Good Deed' are exclusive to the film. Speaking to Vanity Fair, director Jon M. Chu offered a first glimpse from specific scenes of the second film and revealed that it features new songs by Wicked composer Stephen Schwartz, the introduction of Dorothy Gale, Glinda's wedding, and more. Additionally, Madam Morrible, Fiyero, Boq, Nessarose played by, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode respectively also return in the sequel. Fans can look forward to Wicked: For Good as it builds on the success of its predecessor with an even more complex storyline and unforgettable performances.
