Apple TV is building out its film slate with three new movies that add drama, holiday fantasy, and romance to its growing lineup. Apple Original Films has secured a high-profile sports biopic, lined up a new Christmas feature, and picked up the rights to an upcoming bestselling novel adaptation. Together, these projects show how Apple TV continues to invest in star-driven and director-led films across genres.
The streamer has leaned heavily into original movies in recent years, and these latest additions signal that Apple plans to keep that pace. Each project brings established talent both in front of and behind the camera, while also targeting different audiences.
According to Deadline, Apple Original Films won a competitive auction for an untitled Lance Armstrong biopic package starring Austin Butler, and the deal closed after several major studios competed for the rights.
Lance Armstrong biopic starring Austin Butler
Edward Berger, who directed Conclave, will helm the Armstrong film, with Zach Baylin writing the script. Austin Butler will portray Armstrong in a story that tracks both the cyclist’s historic victories and his dramatic fall from grace. The film blends the intensity of F1: The Movie with the character-driven edge of Raging Bull and The Wolf of Wall Street, as it explores Armstrong’s battle with cancer, his seven Tour de France titles, and his eventual admission to blood doping.
This marks the first time Armstrong has signed off on his life rights for a feature film. Producer Scott Stuber worked for years to secure those rights and made it clear he wanted to tell the full story without holding anything back. After long discussions, Armstrong agreed. Apple Studios will produce the film alongside Stuber, Nick Nesbitt, and Berger.
Butler previously appeared in Apple TV’s World War II drama Masters of the Air, and this role continues his streak of working with high-profile directors.
Holiday film Foster the Snowman
Apple TV is also moving forward with a new holiday movie titled Foster the Snowman. Hikari, who recently directed Rental Family for Searchlight, will direct the project. Apple secured the rights to the concept last year, and with a director now attached, the film is advancing toward production.
The story comes from Jono Matt and Peter Huyck. The film follows a childless couple who must navigate every stage of parenting in just 72 hours after they adopt a magical snowman whose entire life unfolds in that short window. The pitch describes a high-concept Christmas film with the warmth of It’s A Wonderful Life and the humor of Elf, built around a family-friendly central character similar to Paddington.
Apple has made holiday releases a consistent part of its strategy, and Foster the Snowman fits that pattern while offering a fresh fantasy angle.
Once and Again adaptation from Rebecca Serle
In addition, Apple has reportedly secured the rights to Once and Again, the forthcoming romance novel from bestselling author Rebecca Serle. Serle is known for popular titles such as In Five Years, One Italian Summer, and The Dinner List.
Once and Again centers on Lauren Novak, a Malibu native whose marriage begins to fracture as her husband takes a summer job in New York. She returns to her hometown and uncovers a closely guarded family secret: the women in her family can turn back time once in their lives. The story blends romance with light fantasy, drawing comparisons to The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Lake House.
The novel releases in hardcover on March 10, and Apple’s early move to secure the adaptation signals confidence in its potential as a feature film.
With these three new movies, Apple TV strengthens its upcoming slate across multiple genres while continuing to attract major directors, writers, and stars to Apple Original Films.
