Frank Sinatra Biopic

[tammyy2j]

Martin Scorcese has been chosen to direct a new biopic of legendary Rat Pack singer Frank Sinatra.

Sinatra has been acquired by Universal from Mandalay Pictures and will be helmed by Scorsese and penned by Field Of Dreams screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson.

The company has purchased the life and music rights of the crooner from the Sinatra Estate and Warner Music Group.

Sinatra's daughter Tina said: "My father had great admiration for the talent of the people he chose to work with, and the talented people who worked with my father had great admiration for him.

"It is personally pleasing to me that this paradigm continues with Marty Scorsese at the helm of the Sinatra film."

Mandalay chairman Peter Guber added: "We have dreamt of making a movie about Frank Sinatra, and Marty Scorsese is undeniably the perfect vision keeper for this project."

[tammyy2j]

Leonardo DiCaprio and Johnny Depp are reportedly the frontrunners to star in Martin Scorsese's recently-announced Frank Sinatra biopic.

According to Deadline Hollywood Daily, Scorsese is eager to cast DiCaprio as the legendary Rat Pack singer. The pair have previously collaborated on Gangs Of New York, The Aviator, The Departed and the upcoming Shutter Island.

However, executives at Universal want to go in another direction and cast Depp in the part after being wowed by his turn as John Dillinger in Michael Mann's soon-to-be-released crime drama Public Enemies.

The untitled biopic, which is being written by Field Of Dreams screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson, will feature Sinatra's own recordings after Universal agreed a deal with the late singer's estate and Warner Music Group for his music rights.

[tammyy2j]

Jamie Foxx has been tipped to play late Rat Pack crooner Frank Sinatra, according to reports.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Harry Connick Jr. were among the names rumoured to be in contention for the role after it was announced earlier this month that filmmaker Martin Scorsese will direct a biopic.

But now African-American actor Foxx, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in 2004's Ray, has emerged as the favourite to play Ol' Blue Eyes.

And studio bosses are convinced Foxx has the charisma and talent to tackle the role of Sinatra, who died in 1998.

An insider tells Britain's Daily Star, "Jamie would seem to be born to the role. Magnificent voice, convincing acting ability - like Frank himself - born the wrong side of the tracks, makes it big against all odds, has his brush with authority. The guy's a gift."

[Chloe O'brien]

I would have thought Jamie would be more suited to the role of Sammy Davis Jr.

[Perdita]

LEONARDO DICAPRIO was hot favourite last night to play FRANK SINATRA in a big screen blockbuster about the crooner — IF he can learn to sing.
The Gangs Of New York star has hired a top vocal coach to teach him how to mimic Ol’ Blue Eyes, famed for hits including New York, New York.

The 34-year-old actor was said to have high hopes of landing the coveted part — even though his singing was deemed too DUFF for the starring role in Moulin Rouge that went to Scots actor EWAN McGREGOR.
Insiders revealed director chum MARTIN SCORSESE has put DiCaprio at the top of his list to play Sinatra.

But Scorsese is insisting the actor does it HIS way — by mastering the Rat Pack legend’s famous tones.

A source confirmed: “Leo has hired a top vocal coach to get him sounding like Sinatra. He is a massive fan of the singer and has always wanted to play him. He would be sick to miss out on the leading role because his singing wasn’t up to scratch.

“He is now in intensive vocal coaching lessons to replicate Sinatra’s distinctive style.”

Scorsese previously directed DiCaprio in the 2002 smash Gangs Of New York —as well as in box office hits The Aviator and The Departed.

The Sinatra film — set to hit screens next year — will focus on how the superstar became embroiled with the Mafia.

The Sun