Leonardo DiCaprio has quietly stepped away from Damien Chazelle’s planned Evel Knievel biopic — a project that had been gearing up for a summer shoot with the La La Land and Whiplash director at the helm. While the film seemed like a natural fit for the Oscar-winning actor, DiCaprio ultimately chose to prioritise something more personal: a new collaboration with longtime creative partner Martin Scorsese.
At 82, Scorsese remains one of cinema’s most vital voices — but time, inevitably, is a factor. DiCaprio, who has worked with the director on The Wolf of Wall Street, The Aviator, The Departed, and Killers of the Flower Moon, reportedly felt a strong pull to seize the opportunity to make another film with him while they still can. Though the exact project is yet to be confirmed, many believe it could be Home, Scorsese’s adaptation of Marilynne Robinson’s acclaimed novel, now in development at Apple TV+.
For DiCaprio, it seems the choice wasn’t about stunts or scripts, but about legacy — and loyalty. While the Evel Knievel film may still find a new lead, DiCaprio’s decision is a rare reminder that in a business obsessed with momentum, some partnerships are simply too meaningful to postpone.
We also wrote about which major stars are teaming up for the first time in another highly anticipated Chazelle project — read it here.
