Beloved actor Keanu Reeves is starring in a TV adaptation of “The Devil in the White City” a nonfiction book by Erik Larson that was first published in 2003 about Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair.
Keanu Reeves has signed on to play Daniel Burnham— one of the most famous architects and designers in U.S. history. As the author of ‘Plan of Chicago’, and the source of the phrase “make no little plans,” Burnham is known as the co-conspirator of the World’s Columbian Exposition which was held in Chicago in 1893. Reeves will play Burnham, who is thought of as the father of the City Beautiful movement, in the Hulu adaptation of the book.
The bestselling thriller novel is about a convicted murderer, Dr. H.H. The book turned TV series is based on Holmes, initially born Herman Webster Mudgett, who confessed to a number of murders and was later executed in 1896.
The story itself follows Holmes, a notorious swindler who managed a hotel in the Englewood area and was accused of murdering people during Chicago 1893’s World Fair. The hotel, which was located at 63rd, and Wallace housed his “Murder Castle” which was complete with trap doors, secret stairways, and a crematory
Devil in the White City tells two stories. One is based on the true story of serial killer Dr. H. H. Homes who created a “Murder Castle” on the fair grounds (Though the real “Murder Castle” was demolished in 1938). The other side of the story revolves around Daniel H. Burnham (Reeves), a visionary architect who wants to make his mark on history.
The name of the book comes from a nickname regarding the large number of white buildings in the area. The other roles, like that of Holmes, is yet to be cast.
Leonardo DiCaprio first acquired the rights in 2010, wanting to star as Holmes with Martin Scorsese tied to directing. Instead, Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Reeves are a few of the series’ producers on the project. As of right now, there is no news regarding DiCaprio’s appearance in the series. Castle Rock producer Sam Shaw is writing the script, with Little Field’s Todd Field directing. Filming will be based entirely in Chicago in 2023 with the series expected to be eight episodes with a 2024 release date in the works.