Martin Scorsese’s upcoming projects face delays

A shift in plans for the legendary director

Martin Scorsese, the Oscar-winning filmmaker renowned for his cinematic masterpieces, had ambitious plans to shoot two highly anticipated films back-to-back this year. The first was a biblical epic titled “The Life of Jesus,” inspired by Shūsaku Endō’s 1973 novel, and the second was a biopic about the legendary singer Frank Sinatra. However, recent developments indicate that both projects have been postponed and will not commence filming this year.

The life of Jesus: A complex portrayal

A deep dive into the biblical narrative

Scorsese’s “The Life of Jesus” was slated to be the first project to enter production. Although the official cast remains unannounced, sources with direct knowledge confirm that the film is still in development. Scorsese is deeply committed to this project, which he is reportedly financing independently, much like his 2016 epic drama “Silence,” also adapted from an Endō novel.

Filming locations and thematic exploration

The filmmaker had hoped to shoot in Israel, Italy, and Egypt, though these locations have yet to be confirmed. Based on Endō’s novel, “The Life of Jesus” aims to explore the intricate human and divine aspects of Christ, reminiscent of Scorsese’s earlier work in “The Last Temptation of Christ.” While no official casting has been announced, there are rumors that Oscar nominee Andrew Garfield might be involved.

Sinatra biopic: A project in limbo

Industry excitement and setbacks

The Sinatra biopic has generated significant industry buzz, with an initial start date set for November. However, multiple sources involved in the production have revealed that key stakeholders were informed in mid-August that the November start date had been canceled, with no new date scheduled.

The long road to production

Scorsese has been planning to bring Ol’ Blue Eyes to the big screen since the project was first announced in 2009. Initially, Universal Pictures and Mandalay Pictures were set to produce, with Phil Alden Robinson writing the screenplay. Although no studio has officially signed on, Apple and Sony have been rumored to be interested.

The Sinatra estate’s crucial approval

A significant question surrounding the Sinatra film is whether it has received the blessing of the Sinatra estate, controlled by his daughter Tina Sinatra. The estate’s approval is vital, given that the film would delve into a vulnerable period in the singer’s life. Rumors suggest that Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence are in talks to star, focusing on Sinatra’s tumultuous marriage to actress Ava Gardner. This relationship not only rocked Hollywood but also contributed to the dissolution of his first marriage to Nancy Barbato, Tina Sinatra’s mother. Without the family’s official approval, the film’s future remains uncertain.

Scorsese’s ongoing ventures

A busy schedule despite delays

Despite these setbacks, Scorsese, now 81, remains active with numerous projects. He holds several executive producer credits, including Celina Murga’s “The Freshly Cut Grass,” an adultery drama that premiered at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Additionally, he will collaborate with Steven Spielberg on a “Cape Fear” TV series for Apple TV+. The duo will serve as executive producers for the project, based on the 1991 and 1962 Universal movies. Scorsese directed the 1991 noir thriller, which Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment produced.

A monumental career

With a career spanning six decades, Scorsese is currently the most-nominated living director at the Academy Awards, boasting 10 nominations for Best Director. He is second only to William Wyler, who holds the record with 12 nominations. Scorsese finally won his Oscar for the Best Picture-winning thriller “The Departed” (2006).

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