Gene Wilder Is Finally Getting a Biopic

A biopic about iconic actor and filmmaker Gene Wilder is officially moving forward, with Dito Montiel securing the rights to direct from Wilder's Estate.

Wilder is best known for his work starring in Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory and Young Frankenstein. The award-winning actor was a frequent collaborator with Richard Pryor, who co-wrote Blazing Saddles, though they had a complicated relationship. Wilder was also married to Gilda Radner, one of the original cast of NBC's SNL. Following Radner's passing from ovarian cancer a few years into their marriage, Wilder became an advocate for cancer research, even speaking to Congress.

Deadline reported that "The biopic will explore the man behind the iconic performances, tracing his rise from a shy young theater actor to one of cinema's most singular comedic voices, while examining the personal struggles, relationships, and challenges that shaped both his life and work." This exploration promises to provide a deeper understanding of Wilder's legacy, something that Wilder's Estate has been pushing.

Montiel, best known for A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, said of the decision, "Gene Wilder was one of those rare people who was somehow funnier and sadder than everyone else in the room at the same time…I couldn't say no to that." Producer Aimee Schoof commented, "Dito has a singular ability to hold comedy and complexity in the same frame without flinching. We are thrilled to have him directing this film."

The momentum for this project continues, as the biopic was originally announced to be in development last year, as reported by Deadline in November 2025. The script is being written by Jeremy Roth and Montiel. Roth is best known for writing on shows like How I Met Your Father and Love, Victor. Intrinsic Value Films is set to produce with their team of producers, including Schoof, Isen Robbins, and Megan Freels Johnston.

Looking ahead, no casting announcements have been made as of yet. Many online have suggested casting Jeremy Allen White as Wilder due to an uncanny similarity in their features, but nothing has been confirmed. The actor is best known for The Bear, for which he won two Emmy Awards for his role as Carmen Berzatto. White has previously starred in the biopic Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere as Bruce Springsteen.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 3:52 PM.