The last time Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio worked together was on 2002's Catch Me If You Can, where DiCaprio played young conman Frank Abagnale Jr. The movie, which was based on a true story, was met with excellent critical reception and earned two Academy Award nominations, but since then Spielberg and DiCaprio haven't collaborated on anything together. However, that may soon change, as the director and actor are now looking to reunite for a biopic about Civil War general and 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant.
According to Deadline, Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio are in early talks to work together on the Ulysses Grant biopic, which DiCaprio is producing with Appian Way partner Jennifer Davisson, and Spielberg is being eyed to direct. The movie will be based off the Grant biography written by Ron Chernow, and it's being adapted into a screenplay by Robin Hood's David James Kelly. Assuming Spielberg signs a deal to helm the biopic, it will allow him to explore the American Civil War again, which he previously did with 2012's Lincoln. Interestingly enough, Grant isn't the only U.S. president who DiCaprio is on deck to play, as it was reported last year that he play Theodore Roosevelt in a biopic directed by Martin Scorsese.
Born in 1822 and passing away in 1885, Ulysses Grant was one of the most famous figures in American Civil War history, winning the battle of Shiloh and the Vicksburg campaign, among others, for the Union. His presidency lasted from 1869 to 1877, and towards the end of his life, he worked with acclaimed author Mark Twain on his memoirs. He's previously been portrayed on screen by actors like Donald Crisp, Harry Morgan, Kevin Kline, Jared Harris and Victor Slezak.
While this Ulysses Grant movie is reportedly a priority, and it would be great to see Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio teaming up again, scheduling will make it difficult for the two of them to work on this project. DiCaprio is currently gearing up to star in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and in addition to the Theodore Roosevelt biopic, he's also set to play Leonardo da Vinci in a movie about the artist/inventor. As for Spielberg, he's working on Indiana Jones 5 next, and once that's done, he intends to direct the West Side Story remake, not to mention he's also been bouncing around helming The Kidnapping of Edgar Mortaro and DC's Blackhawk movie (which he's already set produce). So even if these two talents are able to carve out time for that Grant project, we may have to wait a while before it's fully realized.
Stay tuned to CinemaBlend for more news regarding Steven Spielberg and Leonardo DiCaprio's careers. In the meantime, if you're interested in planning your trips to the movie theater this year, you can find release date information in our 2018 premiere guide.
