Scott Sanders and Danny Strong are set to produce 'Becoming Houdini', a spy thriller focused on the life of the legendary illusionist. The film will explore the early journey of Erik Weisz—Houdini's real name—as he rises to fame and captures public fascination. Known for their work on projects like 'The Color Purple' and 'Dopesick', the producers have enlisted screenwriters Michael Finch and Alex Litvak, known for 'John Wick: Chapter 4' and 'The Three Musketeers', to craft the script.
Houdini's career soared in both live performance and the burgeoning film industry until his untimely death from peritonitis at age 52 on Halloween in 1926, under mysterious circumstances. While he was one of the most recognized figures of the Jazz Age, much of Weisz's early life remains shrouded in mystery. The film aims to delve into that intriguing backstory along with the rumors of Houdini's covert work for Britain and America, which will serve as the foundation of 'Becoming Houdini'. As of now, no lead actor has been cast for the project, but that’s a story for another time.
Joining Strong and Sanders in production is Mara Jacobs, known for 'In The Heights', working through Sanders’ company, SGS Pictures. Executive producers include Oren Aviv from National Treasure and Mandy Safavi from 'Dopesick'. Jessica Virtue will oversee the project for Walt Disney Studios.
Scott Sanders is represented by UTA, Erik Hyman at Paul Hastings LLP, and ID. Danny Strong, co-creator of Empire, is represented by CAA, Alan Wertheimer, and Slate PR.
