Leonardo DiCaprio to Produce 'Beat the Reaper' Adaptation for HBO

HBO is looking to Leonardo DiCaprio to Beat the Reaper.

our editor recommends

Leonardo DiCaprio Talks J. Edgar Hoover's Homosexuality; Slashed Fee 90 Percent for Clint Eastwood

Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Growing Pains': A Look Back at the 'J. Edgar' Star's Breakout Role

Leonardo DiCaprio Helps LACMA Raise $3 Million at First Art + Film Gala

The premium cable network is developing a drama series based on Josh Bazell's debut novel of the same name. The medical thriller hails from New Regency, with DiCaprio attached to executive produce. (The news comes nearly three years after New Regency aquired screen rights to the crime novel, which was initially conceived as a star vehicle for the actor.)

THR COVER STORY: The Making of 'J. Edgar'

Brian Koppleman and David Levieen (Ocean's Thirteen) will write and executive produce the project, which centers on a young ER doctor whose life is upended when a patient comes through his ward that recognizes the internist from his old life – when he used to work for a notorious crime family.  As his past comes crashing back and his enemies from his old life try to destroy him, he tries to hold his new life together while discovering everything he knew about his past may have been wrong. 

PHOTOS: 'J. Edgar' Premiere Red Carpet Arrivals

Arnon Milchan, Hutch Parker, Bob Harper, Julie Yorn and Jennifer Davisson Killoran will join the as EPs.

If picked up to pilot, Reaper would join other a-list efforts including Spike Lee's Da Brick, Noah Baumbach and Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections, Michael Chabon's Hobgoblin and Doug Ellin and Ed Burns' Forty.