The journey to adapt Erik Larson’s bestselling non-fiction classic, The Devil in the White City, for the screen has been nothing short of tumultuous. From the initial purchase of film rights by Leonardo DiCaprio in 2010 to the recent setbacks faced by the project, the road to bringing this captivating story to life has been fraught with obstacles.
Over the years, the project has gone through various stages of development, with different key players attached at different points in time. Initially set up as a feature film at Paramount with Martin Scorsese slated to direct and DiCaprio set to star, the project garnered significant attention. However, in 2019, Hulu announced plans to develop the story into a big-budget series, leading to a shift in direction.
Despite facing setbacks and changing hands multiple times, producer Stacey Sher remains resolute in her commitment to bringing The Devil in the White City to the screen. In a recent update, Sher expressed her unwavering dedication to the project, stating, “I’m still involved. I never give up.” While the timeline for the screen adaptation remains uncertain, Sher indicated that the project is still very much alive in her mind.
At the heart of The Devil in the White City lies the chilling tale of Dr. HH Holmes, a cunning serial killer who operated in the shadows of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. The book delves into the contrast between the grandeur of the Exposition and the dark deeds of Holmes, providing a compelling backdrop for the narrative.
From Tom Cruise’s early interest in the story to DiCaprio’s subsequent involvement, the journey of adapting The Devil in the White City has been marked by twists and turns. With different iterations of the project at various points in time, including a feature film and an eight-episode series, the story of Holmes and the Exposition continues to intrigue audiences.
Despite the challenges faced by the project, Sher emphasized that key players such as Rick Yorn, Leo DiCaprio, Jen Davisson, and Martin Scorsese are still actively involved. The unwavering dedication of these industry veterans speaks to the enduring appeal of Larson’s book and the desire to bring its story to a wider audience.
The ongoing saga of adapting The Devil in the White City for the screen serves as a testament to the resilience and determination of those involved in the project. While the road may have been long and arduous, the unwavering commitment of the team behind the adaptation signals that the story of Dr. HH Holmes and the World’s Columbian Exposition is one that is worth telling on the screen.
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