Martin Scorsese plans biopics on Frank Sinatra and Jesus Christ
Hollywood auteur Martin Scorsese, fresh from his 10-time Academy Award-nominated Killers of The Flower Moon, is now charting his next cinematic endeavors. Even at 81, the Oscar-winning filmmaker is in no mood to slow down and is instead preparing for a biopic on legendary singer Frank Sinatra and a film adaptation of a book about Jesus Christ's life. Despite not yet receiving approval from Sinatra's daughter, Tina Sinatra, Scorsese has begun putting together an ensemble cast.
Dicaprio and Lawrence rumored for Sinatra biopic
Scorsese is reportedly considering his frequent collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio to portray Sinatra, with Jennifer Lawrence potentially playing Ava Gardner, Sinatra's second wife. Several major production companies are competing for the project, including Apple, which supported Scorsese's recent hit KoTFM. Sony is currently leading the race to secure this highly anticipated project. As per Hollywood media reports, Scorsese has been eyeing this project for several years now.
Scorsese's earlier comments on the Sinatra biopic
Earlier, in 2017, the legendary director opened up on the challenges of the film. "We can't do it! I think it is finally over. They (members of the Sinatra clan) won't agree to it. Open it up again and I'm there!" "Certain things are very difficult for a family, and I totally understand, but if they expected me to be doing it, they can't hold back certain things."
Scorsese will also adapt 'Life of Jesus' into film
In addition to the Sinatra biopic, Scorsese aspires to adapt Shūsaku Endō's 1973 book Life of Jesus into a cinematic marvel. He intends to produce it independently from any studio system. Andrew Garfield, who previously collaborated with Scorsese on his self-funded film Silence, may join this project. However, it remains uncertain whether Garfield will portray the eponymous character or one of his disciples. Miles Teller is also rumored to be associated with the project, with production starting in late 2024.
Scorsese and Spielberg to executive produce 'Cape Fear'
And, that is not all! In another exciting partnership, Scorsese will join forces with iconic director Steven Spielberg for an Apple TV+ series titled Cape Fear. The series will draw inspiration from the 1991 and 1962 Universal films. Both Scorsese and Spielberg are set to executive produce the project, marking a reunion as Scorsese directed and Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment produced the namesake 1991 film starring Robert De Niro.
