The writer of the most recent James Bond films has been hired to adapt the biography of Leonardo Da Vinci, so that Leonardo DiCaprio can realize his lifelong ambition to play the historical icon. John Logan wrote Skyfall and produced the screenplay for Spectre, as well as creating and writing the gothic TV series Penny Dreadful. His appointment means that work on the biopic for Da Vinci is progressing steadily and is likely to be one of the next projects in DiCaprio's busy schedule.

DiCaprio is no stranger to playing real-life historical characters, most recently having portrayed such figures as Hugh Glass in The Revenant and J. Edgar Hoover in the Clint Eastwood film J. Edgar. But the desire to portray Da Vinci has been with the actor for many years, and relates directly back to his family. He earned his name whilst still in the womb, as the unborn actor allegedly kicked for the first time as his mother gazed at a Da Vinci painting whilst in Italy. The chance to play the inventor became a reality during a studio bidding war last year, where Paramount won the rights to the biography written by Walter Isaacson. It was then announced in August that DiCaprio would produce and star in a film based on the book.

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Now Deadline has reported that Logan has signed on to adapt the Isaacson book into a screenplay. It won't be the first time that the actor and writer will have worked together. Logan wrote The Aviator, in which DiCaprio played yet another real-life figure when he portrayed Howard Hughes in the Martin Scorsese film. The screenwriter also has additional experience with historical sagas, having worked on Gladiator and The Last Samurai.

Logan should have plenty of material to use from the Isaacson book, and will hopefully be able to craft a compelling biopic from it. The biography itself concentrates on the origins of the Italian inventor's work and his lifestyle. Along with the production of some of the world's most famous pieces of art like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, he pioneered the study of human biology and scientific studies, as well as theatrical works and plans for futuristic weaponry. Some of this was touched upon in a wildly fictional way in the Starz series Da Vinci's Demons, but the opportunity for a dramatic and realistic drama on his life could now be realized.

DiCaprio recently reunited with his Django Unchained director Quentin Tarantino, and is currently working on his 1969 Project, where he is said to be playing a fictional former TV star. Logan is expected to start work on the adaptation whilst the Tarantino film is being shot, with a view to start the production once DiCaprio is free again. The as-yet-untitled film is certainly still some way off, but it will be interesting to see what the versatile actor brings to the role once it finally hits theaters. We'll keep you updated on the progress of the Leonardo Da Vinci biopic in the meantime.

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Source: Deadline