The Long Road to Bringing The Devil in the White City to the Screen: An Update
Producer Stacey Sher has recently given Deadline a detailed update on the convoluted journey of adapting Erik Larson's bestselling non-fiction classic, The Devil in the White City, for the screen. This project, which has been in development for years, has had a rollercoaster of changes and updates, but the excitement around it remains undiminished.
To rewind a bit, the saga began back in 2010 when Leonardo DiCaprio secured the film rights to the book. The ambitious plan was to turn Larson's gripping tale into a feature film, with Martin Scorsese set to direct and DiCaprio himself to star. This high-profile project seemed to be on the fast track, but as with many Hollywood ventures, things didn't go quite as smoothly as expected.
By 2019, the project shifted gears when Hulu announced that it was transforming the adaptation into a big-budget series. DiCaprio and Scorsese stayed on board as executive producers, a clear sign of their commitment to the project. However, Hulu’s enthusiasm waned, and the streaming giant decided to pull the plug on the series in 2022. Despite this setback, ABC Signature, which had been working on the project alongside Paramount Television Studios, remained optimistic and expressed a strong desire to find a new home for it. This was a significant moment in March 2023, as it marked the end of one chapter but also hinted at potential new beginnings.
Fast forward to now, and Sher, who has been a steadfast champion of this project from the very beginning, reassured Deadline that The Devil in the White City is still very much alive. “I'm still involved. I never give up,” Sher declared, reflecting her unwavering dedication. When asked about the timeline for seeing Larson’s book on screen, she remained hopeful but realistic. “I hope so,” she said. “It's not imminent, but it is not ever far from my mind.”
The project has certainly been through its share of transformations. Initially, Tom Cruise showed interest in the story when the book was first published in 2003, even intending to play the notorious serial killer, Dr. H.H. Holmes. However, DiCaprio soon set up a competing project, aiming to leverage public domain materials related to Holmes's grim exploits. When the book rights became available, Appian Way and Double Features, working with the literary agency Black Inc., acquired them.
In 2015, DiCaprio’s adaptation gained traction as he set it up at Paramount Pictures with Scorsese attached as the director and Billy Ray tasked with writing the script. The excitement continued to build as the project evolved, but it took another turn in 2022 when it was reimagined as an eight-episode series for Hulu. The casting included Keanu Reeves in the role of Holmes and Todd Field as the director. This version promised to delve deeply into the sinister world of Holmes, contrasting starkly with the grandeur of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, where the horrors of Holmes's actions were unfolding in the shadows.
Despite the many changes and occasional setbacks, the core team behind the project has remained consistent. Sher confirmed that the original powerhouse group—Rick Yorn, Leo DiCaprio, Jen Davisson, and Martin Scorsese—are still very much involved. This continued involvement from such a high-profile team suggests that the project has not lost its momentum, even if its path has been anything but straightforward.
The Devil in the White City centers on the chilling story of Dr. H.H. Holmes, a diabolical figure who is believed to have murdered anywhere from 27 to 200 people during a time when Chicago was buzzing with excitement over the World's Columbian Exposition. The book intricately weaves together the contrasting narratives of the dazzling fair and Holmes's macabre deeds, creating a tapestry of historical intrigue and horror.
As the project navigates through its various phases and changes, the anticipation remains high. Fans of Larson’s book and newcomers alike are eagerly awaiting the moment when this fascinating story finally comes to life on screen. Whether as a feature film or a series, the adaptation promises to be a compelling exploration of a dark chapter in history, guided by some of the most talented names in the industry.
In conclusion, while the road to adapting The Devil in the White City has been anything but smooth, the dedication of those involved and the continued interest from key players suggest that the project is far from over. As it stands, the future of this highly anticipated adaptation remains bright, with the potential to bring Larson’s chilling narrative to a new audience.
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