Miles Teller set to star in and as Bartali, the legendary Italian cyclist’s biopic by Oscar-winning director duo

Whiplash-fame Miles Teller has just landed a new role in Bartali, a biopic about the legendary Italian cyclist.

The film comes from Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, the director duo behind the Oscar-winning Free Solo. With the new film, they will take us through the life of cycling champion Gino Bartali, who is also a respected World War II hero. Miles Teller is set to lead this project as Bartali himself.

Per Deadline, while speaking about this new role, Teller said,

“I’m so excited to join this incredible project and bring Gino Bartali’s inspiring story to life. He wasn’t just a cycling legend—he was a true hero who risked his own safety to help those who needed it most. Can’t wait for audiences to see the courage and heart behind his journey.”

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Bartali: Miles Teller is set to star in a biopic of a legendary Italian cycling champion

Miles Teller has bagged a new role in a biopic that follows Gino Bartali, a World War II hero and a celebrated cyclist from Italy. Titled Bartali, the film will be directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, the duo behind acclaimed projects like Nyad (2023) and Free Solo (2018). The latter earned them an Oscar while the former earned their stars - Annette Benning and Jodie Foster, Oscar nods.

Bartali shows them returning with another biographical sports drama revolving around a heroic man. The titular real-life cyclist has won the Tour de France in 1938 and the Giro d'Italia twice. However, that is not the only inspiring part of his life. During the Second World War, Bartali helped the Jewish population under the threat of the Nazi regime. As a part of the underground resistance, his efforts have saved many lives from inhumane persecution.

When speaking about this inspiring project, directors Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi told Deadline,

“The moment we read Karen’s script, we knew this was a film we had to make. It captures everything we love about storytelling – it’s about bravery, about perseverance, and, ultimately, about what it means to have moral courage."

They further added,

"With Miles attached to star in the title role, we know this epic tale will leave audiences hopeful, energized, and inspired by Gino’s story."

Bartali is being produced by Karen Tenkhoff (The Motorcycle Diaries), who is also writing the script, along with Vasarhelyi, Chin, and Teller. CAA Media Finance and North.five.six. are backing this project.

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