The Hollywood Reporter‘s Risky Biz Blog says that Seabiscuit writer/director Gary Ross has been hired to write the Lance Armstrong biopic for producer Frank Marshall and Columbia Pictures.
The film is based on Armstrong’s first book, which he wrote with Sally Jenkins and was titled “It’s Not About the Bike.” It traces his story from his difficult Texas upbringing, his cancer diagnosis in 1996, his relationship to first wife Kristin, the birth of their child and his remarkable comeback from illness that saw him first win the Tour de France in 1999.
Armstrong of course went on to win six more titles in cycling’s biggest race, before retiring upon the completion of the 2005 Tour de France.
Armstrong’s unlikely attempt to come out of retirement this year to try to win a record eighth title helped kick-start the project.
Matt Damon is the latest actor to have been mentioned as a possible Armstrong, though there remains no official casting on the film.
