The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Three-time Emmy nominee Milo Ventimiglia (This Is Us) has been tapped to star as Evel Knievel in USA Network‘s upcoming biopic limited series titled Evel, which centers on the iconic daredevil’s life during the 1970s. Ventimiglia and Russ Cundiff have also signed on as an executive producer through their DiVide Pictures banner.
“USA Network is known for big event series that celebrate heroes, rebels and icons, and what could be bigger than the story of one of the greatest thrill seekers of all time?” USA Network and Syfy president Chris McCumber. said in a statement. “The incredible life and journey of Evel Knievel lends itself to a dramatic retelling, and we are excited to be partnering with Milo, McG, UCP, Atlas and Wonderland to bring this iconic American tale to our viewers.”
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Evel will be written by Shameless‘ Etan Frankel. The miniseries will follows Knievel as he prepares for his biggest and most dangerous stunt ever. Its plot is being described as follows: an exhilarating portrait of a complex man living the American dream, juggling meteoric celebrity and raising a family — and facing the very real probability that his next jump (across the Snake River Canyon) will kill him.”
Knievel is best known for his death defying motorcycle stunts that he had done in different U.S. states from 1965 up until 1977. In 2007, he passed away at the age of 69 due to a pulmonary disease.
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The series will also be executive produced by director McG (2000’s Charlie’s Angels, Rim of the World), Alex Gartner, Charles Roven and Topher Rhys-Lawrence of Atlas Entertainment along with Mary Viola and Steven Bello of Wonderland Sound and Vision.
Production is scheduled to start in 2020.
