Jones was the founder of the infamous Jonestown commune
The Oscar winner is in talks to star in the MGM film. The 46-year-old played various real-life characters before (Jordan Belfort, Frank Abignale, Howard Hughes). This role, however, is as challenging as it gets.
Jones founded the People's Temple in 1955, a religious organisation with a focus on socialist Christianity. He gained a large following and eventually created a commune in Guyana called Jonestown in 1974.
It was here where he orchestrated the mass suicide of over 900 people in 1978. The event was the single greatest loss of American life in a deliberate act until 9/11.
Scott Rosenberg, who co-wrote 'Venom', wrote the script for the upcoming film. He also wrote on 'Gone in 60 Seconds', 'Con Air' and 'Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle'.
DiCaprio will produce alongside Jennifer Davisson under their 'Appian Way' banner.
DiCaprio will next star in the upcoming Netflix movie 'Don't look Up', alongside Jennifer Lawrence and Timothée Chalamet, coming out on December 24th.