Lance Armstrong Back in Hollywood, Biopic Rumors Mount

(Photo: Reuters/Eric Gaillard/Files)
Radioshack team rider Lance Armstrong poses on the podium in Paris after the final 20th stage of the 97th Tour de France cycling race between Longjumeau and Paris in this July 25, 2010 file photo.

By Emma Koonse , Christian Post Reporter

March 13, 2013|11:39 am

As reports circulate about two Lance Armstrong-based movies being in the works, the disgraced cyclist has returned to Hollywood on Tuesday.

Two films about the cyclist are reportedly in the works, including one confirmed by J. J Abrams.

Further stoking gossip about biopic films, Armstrong returned to the movie-making mecca, where he even posed with fans, TMX reported.

However, when asked about his take on studios' interest in collaborating on a film about him, Armstrong remained silent.

Meanwhile, Bradley Cooper admitted that he "would be interested" in playing Armstrong during an interview with BBC recently.

"I think he's fascinating," the actor said at the time. "What a fascinating character."

However, after his sit-down with BBC, the 38-year-old actor cleared up reports that suggested his interest in portraying the disgraced cyclist in a movie directed by Abrams.

"Oh my God, that's so nuts," said Cooper when asked about the potential role, according to Access Hollywood. "I was in Manchester, doing the BBC morning show … I had no idea what [the interviewer] was talking about. I didn't even know that J.J. [Abrams] has the rights, I had no idea. I don't know anything about it."

Rumors about the film gained momentum after Abrams confirmed to Entertainment Tonight that he had discussed the project via email with Cooper. The "Star Wars" director's production company recently acquired rights to the upcoming book "Cycle of Lies: The Fall of Lance Armstrong," and a film helmed by Abrams is expected, but Cooper's rep declined to comment on the report.

Abrams is reportedly pushing to make a film about Armstrong through Paramount Pictures, while director Jay Roach is believed to be at the helm of another project for Warner Bros.

Additionally, Cooper is not the only actor named among those interested in portraying Armstrong; Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Fassbender and Christian Bale have all been listed in relation to the role, according to Time magazine.