The journey to adapt Erik Larson’s bestselling non-fiction classic, The Devil in the White City, for the screen has been a long and winding road. What started before Leonardo DiCaprio acquired the film rights in 2010 has seen multiple stages of development. With Scorsese set to direct and DiCaprio to star, the project was initially set up as a feature at Paramount. However, in 2019, Hulu announced its plans to develop the project as a big-budget series with DiCaprio and Scorsese as executive producers. Unfortunately, last year, Hulu decided to halt the project, leaving its future uncertain.
Despite the setbacks, ABC Signature, in association with Paramount Television Studios, expressed their commitment to finding the project a new home. Stacey Sher, who has been involved with the project since the beginning, remains optimistic about its future. When questioned about the progress of The Devil in the White City, Sher reassured that the project is still in the works. She emphasized, “I’m still involved. I never give up.” While she acknowledged that the screen version of Larson’s book might not be imminent, she remains hopeful and stated, “It’s not ever far from my mind.”
One of the highlights of the project is the continued involvement of the prominent names attached to it. Sher confirmed that key figures like Rick Yorn, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Davisson, and Martin Scorsese are still on board. This cohesion among the core team members signifies their dedication and belief in bringing The Devil in the White City to life on screen.
The Devil in the White City follows the story of Dr. HH Holmes, a notorious serial killer who operated during the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 in Chicago. Holmes, known for his cunning and deception, is believed to have murdered numerous individuals during this time. The book juxtaposes the grandeur and innovation of the Exposition with the sinister activities of Holmes, creating a chilling contrast that captivates readers.
The journey of adapting The Devil in the White City dates back to 2003 when Tom Cruise initially expressed interest in playing the role of the killer. Meanwhile, DiCaprio pursued a separate project based on public domain materials related to Holmes. After acquiring the book rights, Paramount, with Scorsese directing and Billy Ray as the scriptwriter, took on the project in 2015. Subsequently, in 2022, the project transitioned into an eight-episode series at Hulu, with Keanu Reeves and Todd Field joining the team. Despite the changes in casting and direction, the core essence of the project remained intact.
The adaptation of The Devil in the White City has faced numerous challenges and changes throughout its development. However, the unwavering dedication of the team behind the project, along with the compelling narrative of Larson’s book, continues to drive the pursuit of bringing this gripping story to the screen. As the project remains in progress, the anticipation for the eventual realization of The Devil in the White City continues to grow.