Martin Scorsese’s Frank Sinatra Biopic and ‘Life of Jesus’ Postponed; New Filming Dates Unclear (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety
Martin Scorsese’s plans for two highly anticipated films, “The Life of Jesus” and a Frank Sinatra biopic. However, both projects have been postponed and will not be filmed this year. “The Life of Jesus” is still in development, and Scorsese is committed to making the film independently. The Sinatra biopic, which has been in development for years, was previously scheduled to start in November but remains in limbo.
Despite delays, the legendary director remains committed to bringing these passion projects to the screen.
Martin Scorsese, the iconic filmmaker behind Goodfellas and The Irishman, has hit a roadblock with two of his upcoming projects. His planned biblical epic, The Life of Jesus, and a long-anticipated biopic about Frank Sinatra have both been postponed indefinitely. Sources close to the productions confirm that neither film will go into production this year, leaving fans and industry insiders eagerly awaiting updates.
Originally slated to start filming first, The Life of Jesus is based on Shūsaku Endō’s 1973 novel, promising a nuanced exploration of Christ’s human and divine aspects. Scorsese, who previously adapted another of Endō’s works with Silence, had hoped to shoot the film in locations like Israel, Italy, and Egypt. However, with the pandemic’s lingering impact on international productions and logistical challenges, the project remains in development. A source close to the director emphasized Scorsese’s commitment to the film, hinting that he might finance it independently, much like he did with Silence.
The Sinatra biopic has been a passion project for Scorsese for over a decade, initially announced in 2009. Set to delve into the complex life of the legendary singer, the film was rumored to star Leonardo DiCaprio as Ol’ Blue Eyes himself, with Jennifer Lawrence in talks to play Ava Gardner. However, sources say the November start date was canceled in mid-August, with no rescheduled date on the horizon. One significant hurdle remains: the blessing of the Sinatra estate, controlled by his daughter Tina Sinatra, without which the film cannot move forward.
Despite these setbacks, Scorsese, now 81, remains as busy as ever. He recently served as an executive producer on Celina Murga’s The Freshly Cut Grass, an adultery drama that premiered at Tribeca, and is also collaborating with Steven Spielberg on a Cape Fear TV series for Apple TV+. The pair will executive produce the project, based on the 1991 and 1962 Universal films. Scorsese’s involvement in multiple projects is a testament to his enduring passion and influence in the film industry, even as delays challenge his directorial ambitions.
With a monumental career spanning six decades, Scorsese is currently the most-nominated living director at the Academy Awards, with ten nominations for Best Director, second only to William Wyler. His place in cinematic history is well secured, yet these two films represent unfinished business for the maestro, whose last big-screen outing, Killers of the Flower Moon, reaffirmed his prowess.
Fans and cinephiles alike are eagerly awaiting further news on both projects. While the delays are undoubtedly disappointing, Scorsese’s commitment to these films suggests that when they do finally arrive, they’ll be well worth the wait.
Stay tuned for more updates on these films as the story unfolds.
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