Adrien Brody might play the function of Knievel’s former promoter who was later attacked by the stuntman
Leonardo DiCaprio and Adrien Brody are mentioned to be circling key roles in Damien Chazelle’s upcoming Evel Knievel biopic.
In response to The Hollywood Reporter, DiCaprio is in talks to play the legendary daredevil, whereas Brody is eyeing the function of Shelly Saltman, Knievel’s former promoter who was brutally attacked by the stuntman in 1977.
DiCaprio has been in negotiations since late 2024, whereas Brody has reportedly met with Chazelle, although no formal provide has been made.
If DiCaprio indicators on quickly, filming might start as early as this summer season. The challenge would reunite him with screenwriter William Monahan, who penned The Departed.
Knievel, one of the vital well-known daredevils in historical past, grew to become a family title within the Seventies due to his jaw-dropping bike stunts.
His profession was marked by legendary jumps — just like the one over the fountains at Caesars Palace — and a high-profile controversy in 1977. That yr, Knievel assaulted Saltman with a baseball bat over a guide the promoter had written, which Knievel claimed was deceptive.
The assault left Saltman with shattered bones and resulted in Knievel’s conviction, finally damaging his profession.
Saltman later gained a $12.75 million civil go well with, however Knievel declared chapter and by no means paid. Even after Knievel’s loss of life in 2007, Saltman pursued the declare, however the debt remained unpaid till his personal passing in 2019 at 87.