This is one of those news stories that can give you goosebumps. One of the greatest directors ever to live, to direct a movie about one of the greatest entertainers to ever walk the earth. Take that one in.
Nikki Finke has reported that Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to make the movie based on the life of Frank Sinatra with Martin Scorsese attached to direct. Universal obtained the rights from Mandalay Pictures with Phil Alden Robinson (writer/director of Field of Dreams, Sneakers) penning the script. The project was announced after the family of the icon known as Ol’ Blue Eyes — who passed away on this date eleven years ago — gave them permission. Within that permission, Frank’s daughter Tina Sinatra will also act as an executive producer.
A day after the news, with everyone wondering who could possibly fill the god-like shoes of Sinatra, Nikki Finke is hearing that the studio very much wants Johnny Depp to take on the role. Word is, Scorsese has always had his go-to-guy Leonardo DiCaprio in mind for the part, but because of Depp’s performance in Public Enemies, Universal is all about hanging on to him tightly.
I guess that adding one of the best working actors today to the mix would make plenty of sense. I know for sure that I’d rather it was someone other than DiCaprio, but I’m not 100% sure I’m sold on Depp either — though I do think he would be perfectly acceptable if cast. One of the main concerns people have had is ensuring the actor can sing as well as act, but apparently the vocal work will be done by Frank himself using tracks from Frank Sinatra Enterprises and Warner Music Group, so that is of no concern.
Who would you like to see play Frank Sinatra?
Nah, I vote Christopher Walken or Sam Jackson.
Either Depp or Leo, Frank was short so…I would go for Depp. Oh, whose being cast as Judy Garland? They had a fling way back then :)
I think Leo Di Caprio is just a pin-up guy, and he acts pretty bad. I guess Johnny Depp is one of the best actors of our time and if Universal Studios and Martin pick up Johnny, they won´t be regret. Because everything that Johnny does, he does it really, really well…
I have always thought that Anthony Hopkins would play a fabulous Frank in his later years. Watch “Meet Joe Black” and catch the parts where Hopkins is wearing a tux, need I say more.
Isn’t everyone getting kinda sick and tired of the same old faces in the same old movies? I hear this is going to be an unconventional retelling of Sinatra’s storey, so why not go with an unknown? I watch a show called Supernatural, and that actor who plays Dean Winchester, Jensen Ackles, could easily do it. He’s perfect with that tough-guy with a heart of gold persona he pulls off as easily as breathing. Plus, I hear he can actually sing! Does Di Caprio sing? Doubters. And while I’m a huge fan of the Deppster, why not surprise us? I love surprises when I go to see a movie.
Leo? You must be joking. Given the choice between those two, I’d rather see Depp, a far superior actor and much sexier than DiCaprio could ever be. (Okay, so Leo actually HAS blue eyes but there are LOTS of blue-eyed actors around, right? The magic of contact lenses…) But I wish the studios and the old hands (like Marty) would open up their imaginations a little more. Here’s another 20th-century musician’s bio-pic. Yawn. They wonder why the public is jaded and box office is down? It’s because Hollywood studio movies are so predictable and audiences want two hours of something interesting in exchange for their $12 tickets, or else we can just stay home. WAKE UP, HOLLYWOOD!
How about no one! Why do people still worship this guy? He was a so-so talent and an arrogant jerk who had more than his deserved share of success. Now he’s gone- let’s all please move on. That goes for Dean Martin and all that other Rat Pack nonsense too.
And as for “Leo” (what, do you guys know him personally or something?) he is every bit as overrated as SInatra. It’s hard to take him remotely seriously, especially with his cheesy facial hair and girly features.
Between his inexplicable DiCaprio and Rolling Stones worship, I am less and less inclined to watch any of “Marty’s” (again, what’s with this familiarity?) movies anymore.
Why do people keep building monuments to mediocrity?
Anton Yelchin should be cast in the role of Sinatra – He looks like the young Sinatra with his facial features, curly hair and blue eyes. The question about him would be does he have the acting chops and the aging process. But if Depp or Leo you have that same issue.
DiCaprio is the best actor of our time. Anyone who knows anything at all about acting should recognize this and show the guy some respect. I personally don’t think he should play Sinatra however. Surely he has better, more challenging projects to consider than a biopic of an overrated singer like Sinatra.
hey you baboons
can leo sing? i dont think he is going to be much of a song bird. Johnny depp has a nice voice but his face is a little too fat. maybe that vampire from Twighlight would be good, he has an album out…it’s nice. okay. ttyl
JOHNNY DEPP A MUST.
Right height (5′7″), blue eyes, definitely has acting chops–maybe too young at 30, but how about James McAvoy (see his photos in Atonement).