Acclaimed director Martin Scorsese is poised to take on a monumental endeavor by simultaneously working on two biographical films that tread the grounds of sanctity and stardom. Sources from within the industry have indicated that Scorsese’s upcoming projects are to be explorations into the lives of two towering figures: Jesus Christ and Frank Sinatra.
In the wake of his critically-acclaimed film “Killers of the Flower Moon,” which has been nominated for 10 Oscars, Scorsese is clearly not resting on his laurels. This relentless creative momentum is set to crystallize into not just one, but two cinematic odysseys.
The first biopic, with the working title “Life of Jesus,” is to be financed independently, mirroring Scorsese’s strategy with the 2016 film “Silence.” This choice suggests a personal commitment to the subject matter and an artistic vision that he wishes to realize without undue external influence. The screenplay will be an adaptation of Shūsaku Endō’s poignant narrative, which is no stranger to Scorsese’s directorial sensibility.
Rife with anticipation, there is conjecture that Andrew Garfield, Scorsese’s collaborator on “Silence,” may reunite with the director for a pivotal role in this spiritual journey. While exact casting decisions remain veiled in secrecy, what is more certain is the ambitious scale of production. The film aims to span diverse landscapes, mirroring the expansive story it seeks to tell. Locations in Israel, Italy, and Egypt have been earmarked for filming, set to commence later this year. Nevertheless, these plans are not without their challenges, as the delicate political situation in Palestine could pose logistical hurdles.
Transitioning from the portrayal of one iconic figure to another, Scorsese’s gaze then shifts to the life of the legendary Frank Sinatra, a biopic that has long been whispered about in cinematic circles. Sinatra, known for his mellifluous voice and turbulent off-stage life, promises to be a subject as complex as he is captivating.
Despite Scorsese’s ambitions, the Sinatra biopic teeters on the precarious edge of consent from pertinent stakeholders. The late singer’s daughter, Tina Sinatra, curates her father’s estate with meticulous concern and has yet to provide the green light for this particular interpretation of her father’s legacy.
Nonetheless, with Scorsese at the helm, there is already a buzz of excitement regarding the cast. Leonardo DiCaprio, a frequent and favored collaborator of Scorsese’s, is rumored to be in the running to embody Sinatra, while Jennifer Lawrence is reportedly being considered for the role of Ava Gardner, the iconic actress and Sinatra’s second wife.
In the competitive arena of filmmaking, the race to secure partnerships with renowned directors such as Scorsese is fierce. Several major studios and streaming platforms are reportedly expressing interest in these ambitious projects. Apple, having previously financed “Killers of the Flower Moon,” has shown eagerness to collaborate again, but Sony appears to currently have the upper hand, at least in the race to associate with the Sinatra narrative.
Both projects are reminders of Scorsese’s versatility as a filmmaker and his adeptness at immersing audiences into the depths of complex, multifaceted narratives. They are set to be bold statements—tributes to figures who have left indelible marks on history, culture, and collective memory. One embodies a spiritual figure whose influence reverberates through time, the other, an entertainer whose voice defined an era.
As the industry awaits further developments with bated breath, one thing is undeniable: cinema is about to witness narratives that speak of the divine and the legendary. It promises to be an illustrative testament to the profound storytelling that Scorsese, time and again, masterfully delivers.
