Leonardo DiCaprio Teams Up with Martin Scorsese Once Again for ‘Devil in the White City’

20th Century Studios is moving forward with a long-awaited adaptation of The Devil in the White City, based on Erik Larson’s bestselling 2004 nonfiction book. The film, currently in its early stages, has Leonardo DiCaprio in talks to star and Martin Scorsese in discussions to direct. Both are also set to produce alongside Stacey Sher, Rick Yorn, and Jennifer Davisson, DiCaprio’s partner at Appian Way Productions.

The story, set against the backdrop of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, intertwines the achievements of architect Daniel Burnham with the sinister deeds of Dr. H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims. Larson’s book paints a vivid picture of the contrasts between the grandeur of the fair and Holmes’s horrifying crimes.

DiCaprio first acquired the rights to the book in 2010, initially planning to star as Holmes. Scorsese joined the project in 2015. Over the years, the adaptation has seen various iterations, including an earlier attempt with Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner and, more recently, a Hulu series involving Keanu Reeves and director Todd Field, which was ultimately shelved in 2023.

While a script has yet to be developed for the current version, insiders say this project has always felt relevant. Following a meeting with 20th Century executives, the decision was made to move forward with a theatrical release.

The film is being overseen by Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios president David Greenbaum, 20th Century president Steve Asbell, and senior vice president of production Sarah Shepard.

DiCaprio and Scorsese have a long history of successful collaborations, including The Wolf of Wall Street, Shutter Island, The Departed, and their recent work on Killers of the Flower Moon. With such a talented team at the helm, excitement is building around this latest project.

What do you think about this adaptation finally making its way to the big screen? Share your thoughts in the comments below!