Austin Butler as Lance Armstrong in Edward Berger's new film

Edward Berger is back with a promising project! As the industry magazine Deadline reports, the "Conclave" director is planning an untitled feature film about the controversial US professional cyclist Lance Armstrong. In the leading role: Austin Butler.

Berger will not only take a seat in the director's chair, but will also accompany the project as a producer. The screenplay was written by Zach Baylin, who has already made a name for himself with biopics such as "King Richard" and "Bob Marley: One Love".

The story focuses on Armstrong's career, with all its ups and downs. After his successful battle against cancer, the athlete made a spectacular comeback, culminating in seven victories in the Tour de France. At the same time, he was accompanied for years by massive accusations of doping, which he always denied. Armstrong's later confession finally marked the turning point and the end of his sporting career. Tonally, the film is described as a mixture of "F1" and "The Wolf of Wall Street". So we could be in for excessive parties and thrilling racing sequences.

Incidentally, the Lance Armstrong film is not the only title Berger is currently working on. He is currently in the middle of filming "The Riders", starring Brad Pitt. In the film, Pitt's character embarks on a desperate search for his wife, who has disappeared without a trace.

Another project for Netflix also awaits us. "Stradivarius" is set in 18th century northern Italy and focuses on two men who are both obsessed with creating the perfect violin. Their initial ambition develops into a bitter rivalry, which ultimately overshadows their personal lives. More detailed information is not yet available

Edward Berger: From German television to the international directing elite

Edward Berger is one of the most influential German directors of our time. With a sure instinct for dramatic material, moral conflicts and intense characterization, he has developed from a television director to an internationally sought-after filmmaker. His career exemplifies the successful transition from the German market to Hollywood – without making any artistic compromises.

Training and first steps in television

Born in Wolfsburg in 1970, Edward Berger studied directing at the University of Television and Film Munich and at the renowned Tisch School of the Arts in New York. This international education shaped his eye for narrative depth and visual precision early on. Berger took his first professional steps primarily in German television, where he worked on numerous series formats and quickly made a name for himself as a stylistically independent director.

His work for "Tatort" in particular brought him to the attention of the industry. Berger used the established format to stage psychologically dense and atmospherically unusual episodes that clearly stood out from the classic crime thriller.

Series as a career accelerator: Deutschland 83, Patrick Melrose and Your Honor

Berger experienced a decisive career boost with the acclaimed series "Deutschland 83". The spy drama set against the backdrop of the Cold War was marketed internationally and is considered a milestone in the German series boom. The modern production and political relevance also made Berger famous outside Europe.

He continued to make a name for himself internationally with the British mini-series "Patrick Melrose", based on the novels by Edward St Aubyn. The series, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was celebrated for its unsparing portrayal of trauma, addiction and social decadence. Berger directed several episodes and proved his extraordinary talent for intimate character studies.

Another international series success followed with "Your Honor". The US series starring Bryan Cranston tells the story of a judge who crosses moral and legal boundaries out of love for his son. Berger played a decisive role in shaping the dark tone and claustrophobic atmosphere of the series and cemented his reputation as a director of highly complex moral material.

All Quiet on the Western Front: a historic success

The biggest milestone in Edward Berger's career came in 2022 with the Netflix remake of "All Quiet on the Western Front". The adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque's anti-war novel was celebrated worldwide and set new standards for German-language productions. Berger deliberately avoided heroic exaggeration and instead showed the First World War as a merciless machine. The film won four Oscars and was also nominated for Best Picture – a historic success that finally catapulted Berger into the premier league of international directors.

Power, intrigue and faith: Conclave

"Conclave", a thriller about the election of a new pope starring Ralph Fiennes, also attracted international attention. Berger staged the events as a tense chamber play behind the closed doors of the Vatican. The film sheds light on political power games, moral dilemmas and the conflict between faith and calculation – themes that fit seamlessly into Berger's previous work.

Ballad of a Small Player: Noir drama about guilt and identity

With "Ballad of a Small Player", released in 2025, Berger consistently continued his international course. Based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne, the film tells the story of a down-and-out gambler who hides from his past in Asia – and in doing so becomes increasingly entangled in a web of guilt, addiction and self-deception. Berger directed the work as a dark, atmospherically dense noir drama that focuses less on external action and more on inner turmoil. The film was praised for its stylistic consistency and intense characterisation, underlining Berger's ability to effectively translate even quiet, existential material.

A director with a clear signature

Edward Berger's career is characterised by consistency, courage and stylistic clarity. His films revolve around power, guilt, ambition and moral borderline situations – supported by precise imagery and intense character portraits. With works such as "All Quiet on the Western Front", "Conclave" and "Ballad of a Small Player", Berger has proven that he is one of the most important European directors of his generation. His journey in international cinema seems far from over.