After years of dormancy, one of Leonardo DiCaprio‘s long-gestating projects is about to take off. Titled The Crowded Room, the film adapts Daniel Keyes’ portrayal of Billy Milligan, the first person to successfully use multiple personality disorder as a legal defense.
Milligan was charged with robbery and the rape of three women in the late 1970s. His legal counsel resorted to the insanity plea after he was diagnosed with multiple personality disorder:
Milligan’s various personalities included Adalana, a lesbian taking responsibility for the rapes; Ragen, a Yugoslavian communist who admitted to the robbery; and Arthur, an uptight Englishman. (Via THR)
DiCaprio has wanted to play Milligan since 1997, but the project has been dead for decades. At one point, even James Cameron considered directing. For now, the actor, his producing partners, and two new writers are the only names attached:
DiCaprio’s Appian Way has come aboard to produce The Crowded Room with New Regency, while Jason Smilovic and Todd Katzberg have been hired to write the adapted script. Smilovic’s credits include Lucky Number Slevin and Todd Phillips’ upcoming Arms and the Dudes at Warner Bros. (Via THR)
Maybe, just maybe, DiCaprio will finally get his chance to shine on the stage at the Academy Awards. He’s got a 1 in 24 chance, at least.
(Via The Hollywood Reporter)
