Damien Chazelle’s Evel Knievel Biopic Starring Leonardo DiCaprio Set to Begin Filming This Summer

Damien Chazelle, the Oscar-winning director behind La La Land, Whiplash, and Babylon, is gearing up for his next ambitious project—a biopic about legendary daredevil Evel Knievel, with none other than Leonardo DiCaprio in the lead role. After years of speculation and development, the film is finally set to begin shooting this summer, promising a deep dive into the life of one of America’s most iconic stunt performers.

A Long-Awaited Evel Knievel Biopic

Hollywood has flirted with the idea of an Evel Knievel biopic for years. The motorcycle stuntman, who became a household name in the 1960s and ’70s for his death-defying jumps and larger-than-life persona, has long been a compelling figure for the big screen. Several attempts to bring his story to life have been made, with directors such as Darren Aronofsky previously attached to the project.

Now, with Chazelle at the helm and DiCaprio stepping into Knievel’s boots, the film has finally gained momentum. This pairing alone suggests a unique and potentially stylized approach to the material, given Chazelle’s penchant for high-energy storytelling and DiCaprio’s track record of immersing himself in complex characters.

What to Expect from the Film

While plot details remain under wraps, the biopic will likely explore Knievel’s rise from humble beginnings to international fame, chronicling his most famous stunts—including his failed jump over Snake River Canyon and his notorious Caesar’s Palace crash. Knievel’s life was one of excess, danger, and controversy, marked by both incredible success and personal struggles.

With Chazelle’s signature visual flair and kinetic storytelling style, the film is expected to be more than just a straightforward biopic—it could offer an adrenaline-fueled, visceral experience that captures the danger and spectacle of Knievel’s career while delving into the man behind the myth.

DiCaprio’s Transformation into Knievel

DiCaprio is no stranger to playing real-life figures, having won an Oscar for his grueling performance as frontiersman Hugh Glass in The Revenant and earning acclaim for roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Catch Me If You Can. His casting as Knievel suggests a layered portrayal that goes beyond the stuntman’s flashy persona, exploring the psychological toll of his fame and the physical toll of his numerous injuries.

Given Knievel’s reckless bravado, showmanship, and troubled personal life, DiCaprio will have plenty to sink his teeth into. Expect a performance that captures both the daredevil’s fearless charisma and the vulnerabilities that came with his larger-than-life persona.

Production and Release Timeline

With filming set to begin this summer, the Evel Knievel biopic is likely eyeing a 2026 release. Details about the supporting cast and distribution remain unknown, but with Chazelle and DiCaprio attached, this film is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated projects of the coming years.

As more details emerge, one thing is certain—this won’t just be a biopic; it will be a high-flying, high-stakes cinematic experience that aims to do justice to one of the most daring figures in American pop culture.

Stay tuned for more updates as production ramps up.