Leonardo DiCaprio, 35, has signed on to star and produce the film adaptation of bestselling novel, The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson, reports Hollywood Reporter. The book spent three years on the New York Times bestsellers list, sold more than 2.3 million copies and has been translated into 17 languages.
Set in 1893 Chicago, the novel tells the true story of two men: the brilliant architect behind the legendary World’s Fair, and the serial killer who used the fair to lure victims. Larson combines meticulous research and page-turning storytelling to create an exciting read.
The novel has long captivated Hollywood’s top talent, although the period settings seem to pose budgetary roadblocks. Kathryn Bigelow was attached to direct and produce at one point, and Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner were also developing an adaptation
Now, DiCaprio, is eyeing the role of serial killer, H.H. Holmes, a charming and charismatic doctor believed to be responsible for scores of murders around the time of the fair. Double Feature Films along with his production company, Appian Way, are currently shopping around for a writer and director for the project.
The environmentally-friendly actor has reunited with his Israeli model girlfriend, Bar Refaeli, after a brief separation last year. Early next year, DiCaprio is set to play controversial FBI director J. Edgar Hoover, under the direction of Clint Eastwood.