The Program is another autumn movie that we cannot wait to see as actor Ben Foster is set to take on the role of cycling hero turned villain Lance Armstrong, in a new biopic about his exposure as a drugs cheat.
The Program
We have been treated to some fantastic sporting biopics in recent years and The Program really looks set to be another as it marks the return of Stephen Frears to the director's chair. Frears has brought us films likes The Queen and Mrs Henderson Presents during his career but this is his first film since the success of Philomena back in 2013.
Foster, Jesse Plemons, Guillaume Canet, and Chris O'Dowd take on the central roles of Armstrong, fellow rider Floyd Landis, Dr Michele Ferrari, and journalist David Walsh and they feature in four great new character posters:
The Source: A winner of the Tour De France in 2006, Floyd Landis was a former team-mate of Lance Armstrong, giving him unique access to and knowledge about the legendary icon. Their relationship and activities while team-mates became central to a complex story, leading to Landis playing a crucial part in the unravelling of Armstrong's empire, and in what became a victory for truth.
The Science: Central to the success and power of Lance Armstrong was Dr Michele Ferrari. Ferrari's name is synonymous with the controversial drug EPO, and his work into how it affects the human body changed cycling forever. Alongside Armstrong, Ferrari created one of the most sophisticated and successful doping programs in the history of sport, resulting in Armstrong winning seven Tour De France titles undetected.
The Truth: The untold story of one man's thirteen-year crusade to find the truth behind one of the greatest cons in history. A journalist with The Sunday Times and author of the book the film was based on 'Seven Deadly Sins', David Walsh undertook what has become one of the great pieces of investigative journalism by uncovering the truth about Lance Armstrong. Feted as a hero and adored by millions of people, how did Walsh bring down one of the most powerful icons in the world?
The already impressive vast list is completed by Lee Pace, Dustin Hoffman, Elaine Cassidy, Edward Hogg, and Laura Donnelly - there are a whole host of movies boasting impressive ensemble casts this autumn and The Program is one of them.
The Program is released 16th October.
Tagged in Ben Foster Stephen Frears Chris O'Dowd