Lance Armstrong: The Movie

Brian in Mesa

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Matt Damon to Play Lance Armstrong?
Source: Scott Martinez
July 21, 2005


U.S. Cyclist Lance Armstrong is about to win his seventh straight Tour de France on Sunday before he retires from the sport. His story, of an amazing comeback from cancer, is certainly worthy of the big-screen treatment, and Armstrong tells Men's Journal he has a possible candidate in mind to play him in a biopic.

"I've had the chance to get to know Matt Damon. He is a fan of cycling and has a connection to cancer. He has even expressed an interest in the role," Armstrong said in the magazine.

Armstrong easily retained his overall lead after stage 18 on Thursday, which was won by Spain's Marcos Serrano. Armstrong's lead over Ivan Basso, his closest challenger, remained unchanged at 2 minutes and 46 seconds.

Looking back, Lance entered 1996 as the No. 1 ranked cyclist in the world, competed as a member of the U.S. Cycling Team in the Atlanta Summer Olympic Games, and signed a contract with the French-based Cofidis racing team.

While seemingly at the top of his game, he was literally forced off his bike in excruciating pain. In early October, his doctor gave him the stunning news that he had cancer. And his life changed forever.

Tests revealed advanced testicular cancer that had spread to his lungs and his brain. Though his chances for his recovery were far less than 50-50, a frightened yet determined Lance began an aggressive form of chemotherapy.

With the advice of specialists, he tried a course of treatment that gave him a chance for a full recovery with less danger of losing lung capacity as a side effect. Remarkably, the chemotherapy began to work, and Lance gradually allowed his thoughts to return to racing.

After his miraculous recovery, Armstrong started the 1999 Tour de France on the United States Postal Service team and won the event. He went on to win five more consecutive years. This year his team is sponsored by the Discovery Channel.

In 1997, Lance also founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation, which provides the practical information and tools people living with cancer need to live strong - Live Strong
 

Lefty

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I hope Matt Damon does not play Lance. Lance is raising money to fight cancer and Damon is a chain smoker.

I get mad when I see people wearing Lance's yellow bracelet and they're also smoking.

I just think smoking is one of the most disgusting habits. My dad died from smoking so I have a good reason to hate smoking, as well as a lot of us here do.
 

CQ

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I think a Lance Armstrong movie is a GREAT idea! But Matt Damon? Um, no. There's got to be a better actor to portray this great man, this great athlete!
 

AzCards21

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I have a question for everyone, not really movie related but...

After Armstrong retires will the Tour De France continue to have an American following?

I think the race goes back into oblivion after Lance is gone.
 

CQ

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AzCards21 said:
I have a question for everyone, not really movie related but...

After Armstrong retires will the Tour De France continue to have an American following?

I think the race goes back into oblivion after Lance is gone.

I agree.
 

devilalum

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Zona90 said:
I hope Matt Damon does not play Lance. Lance is raising money to fight cancer and Damon is a chain smoker.

I get mad when I see people wearing Lance's yellow bracelet and they're also smoking.

I just think smoking is one of the most disgusting habits. My dad died from smoking so I have a good reason to hate smoking, as well as a lot of us here do.

I totally agree with you but I'd also have to defer to Lance Armstrong. He's the guy that lived through this, he should get to decide who portrays him. If he did pick Damon he must feel that he has redeeming qualities that outweigh his faults.
 

Lefty

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AzCards21 said:
I have a question for everyone, not really movie related but...

After Armstrong retires will the Tour De France continue to have an American following?

I think the race goes back into oblivion after Lance is gone.

I started following the Tour De France when Greg LeMond raced. If another American can be competitive people will be interested.
 

Brown_Blood

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AzCards21 said:
I have a question for everyone, not really movie related but...

After Armstrong retires will the Tour De France continue to have an American following?

I think the race goes back into oblivion after Lance is gone.

I agree. What's the point of watching the Tour de Lance if he's gone. I don't follow the race or the sport. Just him. An incredible inspiration.
 
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Brian in Mesa

Brian in Mesa

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Zona90 said:
I hope Matt Damon does not play Lance.

Frank Marshall Directing Lance Armstrong?
Source: iFMagazine
January 25, 2006


In an interview with iFMagazine, producer-director Frank Marshall says that he is planning on directing the Lance Armstrong biopic.

Last summer, former U.S. cyclist Armstrong said Matt Damon had shown interest in playing him. Marshall is a producer of Damon's "Bourne" movies and is reteaming with him for The Bourne Ultimatum on August 1st.
 
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