Volkswagen scandal set for movie produced by DiCaprio

In this March 2, 2014 file photo, Leonardo DiCaprio arrives at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The Volkswagen clean diesel emissions scandal is still chugging along, but Hollywood already has its eyes on a possible movie about the ordeal. Paramount Pictures and DiCaprio’s production company Appian Way have optioned the rights to a book proposal from New York Times journalist Jack Ewing about the ongoing debacle. AP

Los Angeles, United States—Hollywood is planning a movie about Volkswagen’s emissions-cheating scandal, with Leonardo DiCaprio, who has long championed environmental causes, set to produce the film, press reports said Monday.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount and DiCaprio’s production company Appian Way have bought the rights to an upcoming book on the scandal, which has sent ripples across the globe.

READ: Volkswagen scandal touches nerve center of German economy

The auto giant stands accused of installing software on millions of diesel cars to cheat emissions tests and evade limits on nitrogen oxide and other pollutants.

READ: Volkswagen CEO: ‘I am endlessly sorry’ brand is tarnished

The scandal has deeply damaged the image of the carmaker and led to the resignation of the company’s chief executive Martin Winterkorn.

DiCaprio is an outspoken advocate for environmental issues and his Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation has donated millions for environmental causes.

The award-winning actor has also been involved in a number of film projects that touch on environmental issues including “The 11th Hour,” a documentary about the state of the planet.