The wait may finally be over for fans of Erik Larson’s The Devil in the White City. The long-awaited adaptation of the bestselling book is back on track, and it seems like 20th Century Studios is ready to take it to the big screen. The award-winning duo of director Martin Scorsese and actor Leonardo DiCaprio are once again in the spotlight, with reports hinting at DiCaprio taking on a lead role.
The book, published in 2003, is a gripping blend of history and true crime, set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. It follows two contrasting figures: Daniel Burnham, the brilliant architect behind the fair’s stunning design, and Dr. H.H. Holmes, one of America’s first documented serial killers. Holmes notoriously built a horrifying “Murder Castle” near the fairgrounds, complete with secret rooms and trap doors, making his story both chilling and unforgettable.
A 15-Year Journey to the Screen
This isn’t the first attempt to bring The Devil in the White City to life. The journey began in 2010 when Leonardo DiCaprio acquired the rights through his production company, Appian Way. At the time, DiCaprio was reportedly interested in playing H.H. Holmes, the infamous serial killer. In 2015, Martin Scorsese joined the project as director, marking another collaboration between him and DiCaprio, who have worked together on hits like The Wolf of Wall Street, The Aviator and many other films.
Despite their involvement, the project faced years of delays. At one point, it shifted from a planned movie to a television series. In 2019, Hulu announced it would produce the series, with Keanu Reeves in talks to play Daniel Burnham and Todd Field set to direct the first episodes. However, this version also fell apart. Reeves and Field exited in 2022, and Hulu officially dropped the project in early 2023.
The New Plan
Now, The Devil in the White City is back in the hands of 20th Century Studios. If things go as planned, this film will mark the seventh collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese. While DiCaprio’s role hasn’t been confirmed yet, there’s speculation that he may still take on the role of H.H. Holmes, although fans are also eager to see him portray Daniel Burnham.
For Martin Scorsese, this project could be a return to theatrical releases after his recent streaming-focused films, like The Irishman. It’s clear that the studio is committed to doing justice to Larson’s powerful narrative, which captures the highs of human achievement alongside its darkest depths.
Why the Story Matters
What makes The Devil in the White City so fascinating is its portrayal of two sides of the same coin. On one hand, you have Burnham’s ambitious architectural vision, which symbolized progress and innovation during a transformative period in American history. On the other, there’s Holmes, whose heinous crimes serve as a grim reminder of humanity’s capacity for evil.
Bringing this story to the big screen is no small task, but with Scorsese’s talent for crafting immersive period dramas and DiCaprio’s proven ability to bring complex characters to life, the film could be worth the long wait.
As the project gains momentum, fans of the book and cinema enthusiasts alike have reason to celebrate. If Scorsese and DiCaprio’s past work is anything to go by, The Devil in the White City might just be one of their most compelling collaborations yet.
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