Austin Butler Is Playing A Crime Boss Inspired By Greek Myths
Austin Butler will star in City on Fire, the novel adaptation about warring crime families that is based on Helen of Troy.
Austin Butler is set to star in City on Fire, a Sony adaptation of the first book in Don Winslow’s novel series. The trilogy follows two New England crime families who go to war after a modern-day Helen of Troy event. As the power struggle rages, lives are lost, alliances are destroyed, and a city is set on fire. The first book was published in 2022, with the second, City of Dreams, set to hit shelves on April 18.
Described as a contemporary masterpiece inspired by The Godfather and Goodfellas, Austin Butler will portray Danny Ryan, who evolves from a street soldier into a ruthless leader. To protect his family, friends, and the home he loves, Danny takes on the Mafia, local police, and the FBI. He also becomes a master of betrayal in a game where winners live and the losers die.
Along with starring in City on Fire, Austin Butler will also produce the project with David Heyman and Shane Salerno. According to Deadline, the movie is a high priority for Sony 3000 Pictures. Studio executives will meet with directors and writers immediately, with Elizabeth Gabler and Marisa Paiva overseeing development.
Speaking about the project, Elizabeth Gabler said Sony is happy that Austin Butler is teaming up with producers David Heyman and Shane Salerno to turn the Don Winslow trilogy into a film series. “Don is an iconic novelist and a true master of suspenseful crime fiction,” she told Deadline. She added that he created one of the most “memorable modern-day heroes in Danny Ryan.”
“It is a dream come true to envision Austin, with his uniquely brilliant and charismatic talent, bringing this character and story to cinematic life,” Gabler added. Don Winslow also shared his excitement about the young actor taking on the lead role. “Like so many people, I was amazed by Austin Butler’s Oscar-nominated performance in Elvis,” Winslow said via Deadline.
The City on Fire author said he’d had several conversations with Austin Butler about the trilogy, and he is very impressed by his commitment to the lead character, Danny Ryan. The 31-year-old began his acting career in various Disney Channel and Nickelodeon sitcoms, which led to recurring roles on The CW’s Life Unexpected and Switched at Birth.
Austin Butler gained further recognition for his portrayal of Sebastian Kydd in Sex and the City prequel The Carrie Diaries. His big break came when he took on the role of Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In 2022, he was cast as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s film Elvis. The actor received praise and several award nominations for portraying the legendary musician.
Austin Butler will next be seen in Dune: Part Two as Feyd-Rautha. He is also set to star in The Bikeriders, written and directed by Jeff Nichols. The story is inspired by the 1968 photo book of the same name by Danny Lyon. The cast also features Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, Boyd Holbrook, Michael Shannon, Norman Reedus, and Mike Faist.
Dune: Part Two is set for release on November 3, while The Bikeriders is currently in post-production.
