Director Martin Scorsese is reportedly preparing for a new film project focusing on the life of Frank Sinatra, following his recent film about Jesus. Sources disclosed to Variety that Scorsese is eyeing Leonardo DiCaprio to portray the iconic singer-actor, with Jennifer Lawrence potentially playing Sinatra’s second wife, Ava Gardner. The duo previously starred together in the 2021 film ‘Don’t Look Up.’
Tina Sinatra, who controls Frank’s estate, has yet to approve the project, according to Variety. Representatives for DiCaprio, Scorsese, and Lawrence have not responded to media inquiries.
Frank Sinatra, who died in 1998 at the age of 82, left a lasting impact on the 20th century with his multifaceted career. From films like 1962’s The Manchurian Candidate to classic songs like ‘My Way’ and ‘New York, New York,’ Sinatra’s legacy remains iconic. His personal life, marked by four marriages, adds depth to his story.
If the Sinatra biopic moves forward, it would be the seventh collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, who last worked together on 2023’s ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ During a press conference for the film, DiCaprio praised Scorsese and Robert De Niro, calling them “cinematic father figures.”
In addition to the Sinatra project, Scorsese is reportedly exploring a film about Jesus, with Andrew Garfield and Miles Teller potentially joining the cast. Details about their roles are unknown. Scorsese’s interest in the Jesus narrative was first revealed in May 2023 after meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican.
Scorsese also plans to begin filming based on Shusaku Endo’s novel ‘A Life of Jesus’ in 2024. He aims to present a contemporary setting with a runtime of around 80 minutes, seeking to redefine the portrayal of organized religion for a wider audience.