Paramount just closed a deal on a Martin Scorsese picture based on a literary property. That's not entirely unusual news in the streets of Hollywood, but what makes it unusual is also the reason it's being reported on a horror site: Scorsese will be re-teaming with frequent star Leonardo DiCaprio (TITANIC, INCEPTION, CRITTERS 3) to create an adaptation of Erik Larson's The Devil In The White City: Murder, Magic And Madness At The Fair That Changed America.
Based on real events:
The book is set in Chicago, circa 1893, intertwining the true tales of Daniel H. Burnham, the architect behind the 1893 World's Fair, and Dr. H. H. Holmes, the serial killer who lured his victims to their deaths in his elaborately constructed "Murder Castle."
DiCaprio would be taking on the role of H. H. Holmes, a rare villainous character for the typical leading man. One of the most prolific Chicago serial killers, Holmes is a notorious real life figure on par with the big names of real life horror history like Ed Gein or Ted Bundy, who have inspired an array of films of their own. It is unknown quite how horror-y the film is likely to be, though one of the pair's previous collaborations – SHUTTER ISLAND – did dabble in the genre, so the prospect isn't out of the question.
No release date has been announced, but the script will be written by Billy Ray (CAPTAIN PHILLIPS).