- Leonardo DiCaprio is in talks to play Evel Knievel in a new biopic
- Knievel is one of the greatest stuntmen in history
- His televised stunts would be watched by millions of viewers
Leonardo DiCaprio could be set to don a crash helmet if he takes on the role of Evel Knievel in a new biopic on one of the most famous stuntmen in history.
Last weekend rumors surfaced that DiCaprio’s manager was negotiating for the star to take on the title role in an upcoming biopic on Evel Knievel, which Damien Chazelle – best known for directing La La Land – is developing.
The rumor, reported in the Puck newsletter, further claims that the movie is set to enter production this summer, as the script is currently being finalised. It is said the movie will focus on Knievel’s infamous attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon in Idaho on a rocket-powered motorcycle in 1974.
But just who was Evel Knievel?
Famous stuntman
Evel Knievel – his real name was Robert – has become legendary for his career as a motorcycle stuntman.
After unsuccessful stints in various professions, including copper mining, insurance and running a motorcycle dealership, he decided to become a motorcycle stunt rider, inspired by a show he saw when he was a boy.
In 1966, he debuted his show, Evel Knievel and his Motorcycle Daredevils. The ‘Evel’ came as a nickname – the spelling was to avoid possible associations with the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang.
Once that show broke up, he toured solo, with the gimmick of jumping over cars. While this was spectacular, it was also dangerous and led to accidents where he broke several bones. But the stunts – and the crashes – got him publicity.
As his fame grew, Knievel’s stunts got bigger, including jumping 19 cars at the Ontario Motor Speedway in 1971 – a record that stood until 1998.
He also held the record for jumping more than 50 stacked cars for 35 years.
His stunts brought him worldwide fame in the 1970s, and he was almost more famous for recovering from his crashes. It is said he suffered more than 433 bone fractures in his lifetime – bringing him a Guiness World Record – but this may have been exaggerated.
Evel Knievel toy range
Capitalising on his fame, in 1972 a range of Evel Knievel merchandise was launched by the Ideal Toy Company. This included in 1973 the Evel Knievel Stunt Cycle, which was a huge seller – and a staple of any 1970s nostalgia show. Between 1972 and 77, Ideal claimed it sold more than $125 million worth of Knievel toys.
Knievel was also a proponent of motorcycle safety, campaigning for his fans to wear helmets. He said the main reason he was still alive was down to using a helmet. He was also an anti-drug campaigner.
Fall from grace
However, Knievel’s career nosedived in 1977 after Shelly Saltman, who had worked on the Snake River Canyon jump, released a book, alleging he was an alcoholic, an abuser of pills and an anti-Semite.
An enraged Knievel then confronted Saltman about the book and attacked him with an aluminium baseball bat, leaving Saltman hospitalised with a shattered arm. Knievel later pleaded guilty to battery and received six months in county jail. As a result, he lost his endorsements and marketing deals and was eventually declared bankrupt in 1981.
However, he made a comeback in the 1990s and represented various companies. He also supported his son, Robbie, who carved out his own career as a stuntman.
Knievel died in 2007 after many years of failing health, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
