Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese revive ‘Devil in the White City’ adaptation at 20th Century

While no script is currently in place, this adaptation has been a passion project for DiCaprio, who secured the rights in 2010

After years in development limbo, Erik Larson’s bestselling book The Devil in the White City is finally moving forward as a film at 20th Century Studios, with Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese in talks to reunite as star and director. The pair, who have collaborated on cult hits such as The Wolf of Wall Street,The Departed, and most recently in the Oscar-nominated Killers of the Flower Moon, are also set to produce alongside Stacey Sher, Rick Yorn, and DiCaprio’s Appian Way partner Jennifer Davisson.

Based on Larson’s 2004 nonfiction masterpiece, The Devil in the White City chronicles the true crime story of Dr. H.H. Holmes, a serial killer who lured victims into his infamous “Murder Castle” during Chicago’s 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition.

While no script is currently in place, this adaptation has been a passion project for DiCaprio, who secured the rights in 2010. Despite various attempts to bring the story to screen — including a Hulu series that stalled — 20th Century’s commitment signals new momentum, fueled by recent successes under the leadership of David Greenbaum and Steve Asbell.

Published - January 23, 2025 12:21 pm IST