The adaptation of Erik Larson’s popular non-fiction book, “The Devil in the White City,” for the screen has been a tumultuous journey filled with ups and downs. Since the inception of the project, which dates back to Leonardo DiCaprio acquiring the film rights in 2010, there have been multiple attempts to bring this compelling story to life. With Martin Scorsese initially set to direct and DiCaprio to star in the feature film adaptation at Paramount, the project seemed promising. However, in 2019, Hulu decided to take a different approach by developing it into a big-budget series with DiCaprio and Scorsese as executive producers.
Despite Hulu’s decision last year not to move forward with the project, ABC Signature, in association with Paramount Television Studios, expressed a continued commitment to finding a new home for “The Devil in the White City.” Stacey Sher, the producer involved since the project’s inception, remains optimistic about its future. She recently stated to Deadline that the project is still in progress, emphasizing her unwavering determination by saying, “I’m still involved. I never give up.”
Sher also confirmed the continued involvement of the key players, including Rick Yorn, Leo DiCaprio, Jen Davisson, and Mr. Scorsese. This dedicated team has stuck together through the various stages of development, showcasing their commitment to bringing this captivating story to audiences.
“The Devil in the White City” follows Dr. H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer who is believed to have murdered dozens, if not hundreds, of people during the time of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. The book intricately weaves together the contrasting narratives of the grandeur of the Exposition and the sinister acts of Holmes, creating a gripping tale of light and darkness.
The journey to adapt Larson’s book began back in 2003 when Tom Cruise initially optioned it with plans to portray the infamous killer on screen. DiCaprio, on the other hand, envisioned a project based on Holmes’s public domain exploits. After a series of transitions, including a feature film setup at Paramount with Scorsese directing and the recent short-lived series attempt at Hulu with Keanu Reeves in the lead role, the project has faced numerous challenges.
While the exact timeline for the screen adaptation of “The Devil in the White City” remains uncertain, Sher’s positive outlook and the team’s unwavering dedication hint at a potential breakthrough in the future. Despite the setbacks and obstacles encountered along the way, the project’s enduring allure and the commitment of its passionate creators continue to fuel optimism for its eventual realization on screen. As Sher aptly put it, “It’s not imminent, but it is not ever far from my mind.”
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