Ben Fosterbrings the true story of disgraced cyclistLance Armstrongto life in the first trailer forThe Program, courtesy ofWorking Title FilmsandStudioCanal. The studio has set an October 16 release for this upcoming drama, putting it up against DreamWorks’Bridge of Spies, Sony’sGoosebumpsand Universal’sCrimson Peak. While it’s too early to tell right now,Ben Foster’sThe Programcould be an awards-season candidate.
The world needs heroes andLance Armstrongwas the ultimate sporting hero. Following a gruelling battle with cancer, Lance returned to his cycling career in 1999 more determined than ever and with his sights set firmly on winning the Tour de France. With the help of the infamous Italian physician Michele Ferrari and team director Johan Bruyneel, he developed the most sophisticated doping program in the history of the sport. This program allowed Lance and his American teammates to dominate the world of cycling, winning the Tour an unprecedented seven times.
However not everyone believed the fairytale. Sunday Times journalist, David Walsh, at first charmed by Lance’s charisma and talent, soon began to question whether the ‘world’s greatest athlete’ was ‘clean’. Walsh sought to unveil the truth, his ensuing battle with Armstrong risked his own career, ostracized him from the cycling community and cost his paper, The Sunday Times, hundreds of thousands in legal costs. But the indefatigable Walsh eventually uncovered the truth when a select few prepared to talk came forward, exposing one of the greatest deceptions of our time.
Inspired by the award winning book ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ by David Walsh, and featuring a stellar cast includingBen Foster,Chris O’Dowd,Guillaume CanetandJesse Plemons,The Programis a tense and suspenseful thriller. FromAcademy Awardnominated directorStephen Frearsand producers Working Title Films, comes the true story of the meteoric rise and fall of one of the most celebrated andcontroversialmen in recent history;Lance Armstrong, the world-renowned Tour de France champion.
In addition to the new trailer, we also have the firstposterand new photos from this true story adaptation. Do you thinkThe Programwill garner any Oscar consideration when it hits theaters this fall? Check out the trailer, poster and photos below, and stay tuned for more fromThe Program.
