Martin Scorsese to Revive Frank Sinatra Biopic with Leonardo DiCaprio
Renowned director Martin Scorsese is reportedly reviving his long-delayed project, a biopic about the legendary Frank Sinatra. According to Variety, Scorsese plans to begin filming the Sinatra project immediately after completing his current film about Jesus, which is based on a book by Japanese writer Shūsaku Endō. Scorsese’s regular collaborator, Leonardo DiCaprio, is expected to take on the lead role of Frank Sinatra, while Jennifer Lawrence is rumored to be cast as Ava Gardner, Sinatra’s former wife.
Challenges with Rights
While Scorsese is eager to bring Sinatra’s life to the big screen, he has yet to secure the approval of Sinatra’s daughter, Tina, who controls her father’s music and image rights. This could potentially pose a stumbling block for the project. In 2009, Scorsese had previously attempted to film Sinatra’s life with backing from Hollywood studio Universal, and DiCaprio was rumored to be his choice for the lead role. However, the project did not come to fruition.
A Vision for the Film
In the past, Scorsese has outlined his vision for the Sinatra biopic, which involved multiple actors portraying different stages of the singer’s life. He wanted to avoid a traditional biopic format and instead explore various periods of Sinatra’s life through the power of his music. However, this approach was met with resistance from Tina Sinatra, who desired a more focused and softer portrayal of her father, emphasizing his music rather than his personal life and connections to organized crime.
Scorsese acknowledged the complexity of Sinatra’s character, stating that he was a man of many facets. Understanding the sensitivity of the subject matter, he expressed his willingness to respect the family’s wishes but also emphasized the need for artistic freedom in portraying such a complex individual.
Despite the challenges faced in the past, Scorsese’s determination to bring Sinatra’s story to the screen remains strong. With the potential involvement of Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, the project has garnered significant attention. However, the final decision ultimately rests with Tina Sinatra and her approval of the film.
As fans eagerly await further updates on the Sinatra biopic, it is clear that Martin Scorsese’s passion for the project and his vision for capturing the essence of Frank Sinatra’s life and music will be instrumental in bringing this long-awaited film to fruition.
