The Devil in the White City is an adaptation that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio have been circling for well over a decade. After many fits and starts, it appears to finally be happening. Variety reports the project, based on Erik Larson’s 2004 bestseller, is back on at 20th Century Studios.
Scorsese and DiCaprio will produce The Devil in the White City, with the actor also in talks to star. Larson’s book, The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic and Madness at the Fair That Changed America, centers on serial killer H.H. Holmes who used the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago to lure in his victims. DiCaprio acquired the rights through Appian Way back in 2010, and this was after Tom Cruise had let his option lapse. Scorsese came aboard to direct in 2015, but nothing ever took off. If this version does, he’ll get back behind the camera for it.
A couple of years ago, Todd Field was attached to direct a Hulu miniseries adaptation starring Keanu Reeves, with DiCaprio and Scorsese as producers. That attempt collapsed, as well.
So let’s see if this one actually gets off the ground. The material is wild, involving a rash of serial killings during the World Fair, a “Murder Castle” used to ensnare victims, and so much more. This would likely be next for Scorsese which means his adaptation of Home, his Sinatra biopic, and Life of Jesus will go on the backburner.
