Leonardo DiCaprio To Star As Cult Leader Jim Jones In MGM Film

The Oscar-winning actor is in final talks to play the controversial figure behind the 1978 Jonestown mass suicide that allegedly claimed 909 lives.

Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly in final talks to step into the shoes of controversial cult leader Jim Jones. Written by the writer of Venom, the Jumanji franchise, and the upcoming Citadel, Scott Rosenberg, the project was picked up by MGM. DiCaprio will also produce the forthcoming project alongside Jennifer Davisson through their Appian Way banner. However, Rosenberg will get an executive producer credit. The title, plot, and release date are still under wrap.

For unversed, Jim Jones was the leader of the religious group known as the Peoples Temple. He was responsible for one of the largest mass deaths in history as he orchestrated a group suicide that claimed the lives of 909 individuals on November 18, 1978, in Jonestown, Guyana.

However, he was praised by his followers for his charisma and alleged faith healing abilities. Jones was also derided for being paranoid and allegedly abusing some of his followers. His story has inspired many books, documentaries, and TV specials including the most recent, Truth and Lies: Jonestown, Paradise Lost, a 2018 documentary that was released on the tragedy’s 40th anniversary. You can stream the documentary now on Hulu.

The 46-year-old Titanic star has starred in a number of real-life figures throughout his Oscar-winning career, from politicians J. Edgar Hoover in J. Edgar and criminal forgers, Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me if You Can to legendary moguls, Howard Hughes in The Aviator, and corrupt stockbrokers Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of Wall Street, to name but a few.

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Moreover, DiCaprio will next star opposite Jennifer Lawrence and a slew of stars in Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up for Netflix. Meanwhile, he has recently finished a role that finds him reteaming with longtime collaborator Martin Scorsese on Killers of the Flower Moon for Apple TV+.