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UPDATE: Johnny Depp As Frank Sinatra?
EXCLUSIVE: He was an enigmatic legend, and it looks as if the picture that just came together will do that justice. I've just learned that Universal has acquired this project based on the life of Frank Sinatra from Mandalay Pictures. Phil Alden Robinson is writing the screenplay, and Marty Scorsese will direct as well as produce through his Sikelia Productions. The Sinatra family gave its permission, which is not easy to get, and youngest daughter Tina Sinatra will be an executive producer along with Robinson and Garry LeMel, the former president of Warner Bros music division and himself a musician. The producers will be Peter Guber and his movie exec Cathy Schulman. "This has been a passion project for Peter Guber for a long time, and first he got together with the Sinatra Estate, and then with Scorsese who's also a huge Sinatra fan," an insider tells me. That Scorsese might direct this film has been rumored for a year. In fact, Tina herself has told journalists in the past that she would "trust Scorsese implicitly" to "present the truth" about her father because he's also an Italian-American. No names of actors who might play Sinatra in the movie are circulating yet. Any suggestions?
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I’ll be Sinatra… but knowing Scorcese it may be DiCaprio?
Leonardo DiCaprio is playing this part. It will focus on a younger Sinatra’s days in Jersey.
Sad, but true: I have it on 100% that Leonardo DiCaprio has been attached to this from the beginning, and Scorcese won’t make it without him.
Once upon a time, many years back when Marty was first taking about this, it was mentioned that he was looking at Tom Hanks (stacka Bibles, here) for Dean Martin.
robert downey, jr. definitely. buble’ maybe. rather have an actor who’s a good singer.
Shouldn’t we all just assume that Seth Rogen will get the part?
Where’s the script? Marty only has a few more in him…
I could see Tobey Maguire (Ron Meyer’s son in law) killing in this role, especially if it’s a “rise of Sinatra” story a la The Aviator.
With Tina Sinatra as one of the producers, you know there will be no mafia mentions.
John Hamm but you know it’s gonna be Leo
While not a quote, unquote star — but Harry Connick, Jr. is the first name that comes to mind. Just please, no Scorsese man love for Leonardo this time around.
Why not cast Toby Huss? He has the voice, the charisma, and even looks like him from the right angles.
I thought Vince Chase will be playing Sinatra
Scorsese doing a Sinatra film without mafia mention is highly unlikely.
Terrance Howard!
Antonio Sabato Jr.
If it’s Dicaprio, I won’t watch it! HIGHLY overrated. I’d go for Kevin Spacey. AND, he can sing. So they can have places where he’s singing at a piano or practicing and it’ll be authentic.
Sasha Baron Cohen. He would spice it up a notch! Yah!
Leave the gun, Take the canolli.
Marty is cool, it’s gonna be alright…
Depending upon which period of Francis Albert’s career they are going to focus on, (presumably the Capital years), the only real choice for the role is Russell Crowe. He has the same intensity Frank had, he can sing (although not anything like the Chairman could) and he is simply the best actor of his generation. There’s even a passing resemblance. Hopefully Scorcese doesn’t get someone like DiCaprio or God forbid — Tom Hanks (who was mentioned a long time ago for another Sinatra biopic). Sinatra is hands down the GREATEST performer of all time bar none (sorry Elvis fans), they need to get this right and it will all start and end with the casting. I vote Crowe.
Scorsese doing a Sinatra film without mafia mention is highly unlikely.
Sinatra’s daughter EP-ing Sinatra film with mafia mention is highly unlikely. Then again…
James Franco would be interesting…
Think about the VOICE, people. Leo ain’t got it. Harry Connick, Jr. has it, but may be too old. Marty doesn’t need a big name anyway – best to go with a talented unknown who can sing like the Chairman…
And WHAT exactly is wrong with Will Ferrell?
Oh! There will be mafia mention alright. They hung around him some, admired him, partied with him, but didn’t control him.
Thats probably close to the truth!
Mandalay = bomb.
You’re all wrong. It will be Will Smith as Frank Sinatra and it WILL involve an invasion of aliens from Jupiter whom Frank defeats by doing it “his way.”
What about Barack Obama?
Harry Connick Jr
If not Leo then… Paul Rudd has the looks and can sing. Jamie Foxx as Sammy Davis Jr. Vince Vaughn as Dean Martin.
Where and when may I audition to play the band leader so Luca Brazzi hold a gun to my head? I want to let yound Frankie out his contract.
Joe Piscopo
You beat Variety by an hour…again! They sent their eblast breaking news at 1:32pm.
Rock on!
Johnny Depp!!
No, no, no , not Di Caprio. Di Caprio is such an overrated bore. He does not have the juice for this. Enough with executives and directors casting from their man crushes. It doesn’t translate to box office.
This film needs an unknown.
Sinatra was not associated with the Mafia. He only worked in their casinos.He was one of the biggest contributors to Isreal and was forefront in race relations.He was, and is, a great humanatarian…
I think it should go to Kevin Spacey. Spacey is also a good singer (as he was in beyond the sea).
please not Hugh Jackman
Three words — Zac fuc**n Efron!
It’s gonna be a reverse Raging Bull for any actor. Sinatra young was very skinny.
If it’s diCaprio, I for one will NOT watch it. Many guys from work refuse to watch anything with diCaprio. He’s too effeminate, among other things. Sinatra was a guy’s guy, diCaprio isn’t.
I would be surprised if it’s not DiCaprio. Scorsese doesn’t like switching actors. Leo did a good job of disappearing into the role of Hughes, but I do get the idea that he might be distracting as Sinatra.
Then again, Sinatra is so iconic that we’d have the same problem with any well-known actor portraying him. I think an unknown would really be best.
Why not Tom Cruise?
DiCaprio doesn’t look the part.. best bet will be to get a nobody who is a talented actor / singer and cast him…
It can only be Michael Buble – he has the voice and same style as Frank.
Try not to forget that Sinatra was first and foremost “The Voice” and the odds of someone with acting chops having a comparable one are somewhere around a billion to zero.
Smarter to be trawling for a gifted actor with credibly similar features and then DUBBING HIM for the music numbers.
John Reese Myers – he did a good job with Elvis.
Curious to know what period of Sinatra’s life they’ll be focusing on. My guess would be Sinatra’s rise, his subsequent fall… injured his vocal chords, temptuous relationship with Ava Gardner, and his subsequent comeback with his role in “From Here to Eternity” and his brilliant work at Capitol Records. I can see Scorcese going with Leo, if he deals with the Rat pack Era at all, I’d like Don Cheadle as Sammy Davis Jr.
“Mafia? There is no mafia!”
-Frank Sinatra
The people who say DiCaprio are probably right…and that is a horrible thing. He has been Scorsese’s new Deniro for a while now.
i agree – Johnny Depp is a smashing choice!!
I think Chris Penn could have rocked this role.
What about Tim Robbins?
i bet Tim Meadows could do a good Sammy also
DiCaprio is too much a lightweight to pull off this role. But who knows? If it were my call– Gary Sinese.
Joaquin Phoenix if he’s in a right state of mind.
Bruce Greenwood should play the older Sinatra.
Casey Affleck
All I know is that if Dicaprio is the star of this I may just have to write off Scorsese for awhile. I like Tobey Maguire for this but wouldn’t mind seeing Ben Whishaw either.
Should get it– Connick Jr.
Will get it– Leo
will I go see it? Of course…
Oh please. Sinatra will be played by Cate Blanchett. Apparently she can play anyone. And hey, she’ll be more manly than Leo. Sinatra was too much of a man for Leo the man-child to play him.
Michael Buble
Years ago Tina Sinatra produced a network Sinatra mini-series that contained scenes of Frank working his Sam Giancana connection to help JFK win the election. I don’t think she’ll shy away from mob stuff.
I think the mention of Tom Hanks playing Dean Martin from this thread is incorrect. Hanks was mentioned to play Maritin a few years back in regards to a feature film version of Nick Tosches’ book DINO (with Scorcese involved there, as well), not a Sinatra biopic.
Kevin Spacey can sing, but he did Bobby Darin in “Beyond the Sea” not too long ago. Russell Crowe would have to be skinnier than he was in “Gladiator” and I am not sure he could do it. Hard to see him as a vocalist. Both are too old if they want to show Sinatra as a kid. It will be interesting to see how they handle the Mafia issues with Tina Sinatra involved. Scorsese will have to tread very carefully. Sinatra was a man of many parts – some attractive and some not so attractive. He did what he did better than anybody before or since and he is owed an honest portrayal revealing the bad with the good.
Chris Pine…at least until another blockbuster comes out. But for this week, it should be Chris Pine.
Why not dig up Mr Sinatra and just move his mouth. Kinda like Weekend at Bernie’s
Steve Levinson is leaning on Scorsese to cast Wahlberg.
Getting an established star would reduce the impact of the picture. It must be an unknow, slight, and somewhat naive. The focus must be on the voice as the story and star are secondary that would disrupt the story’s true center — talent!
Well, let’s see. There will be a shot where the camera pans the entire room while Sinatra sings (Scorsese hallmark). And the Mafia will not exist. I can’t imagine that anyone would go see this.
Harry Conick, Jr. is THE guy to place Sinatra. He has the voice and is an icon himself.
Years ago, late 70s-early 80s, Sinatra himself had suggested David Bowie to play him.
this seems like the greatest movie possible music, mobsters, politics, sex,but at 3 hours and 20 minutes nobody is going
Heard this a month ago. Only getting made because DiCaprio committed.
It should be Jonathan Rhys Meyers, their physical attributes are very similar – blue eyes, very lean and lanky , small builds , a penchant for booze.Meyers has the acting chops for the role along with the bad boy image.
sean penn ten years ago
I wouldn’t go see it if DiCaprio was cast, or Tim Robbins or any other leftist. Sinatra would roll in his grave.
My vote is for Michael Bublé. Not sure of his acting talent, but the guy has “the voice”.
http://www.michaelbuble.com
James McAvoy.
Harry Connick, JR. Without a doubt.
Teen heart throb… musical comedy actor… a dark turn in From Here To Eternity…
Justin Timberlake.
I like Dicaprio but just because he has Blue eyes doesn’t mean he has the right look.
Gary Shandling as Joey Bishop.
George Wallace as Dean Martin.
Joe Piscapo as Jerry Lewis.
Matt from Michigan in American Idol 2009…It’s a hat thing with a sultry voice! It has to be someone young.
Can’t you see him in a sailor hat and then the Sinatra classic hat? And look at the similar facial bones when Sinatra was young.
Everyone should find/see the HBO movie “The Rat Pack” from a few years ago – and relish in the casting. Short of Ray Liotta as Frank, the cast (and film) is ASTOUNDING! Scorcese should do all he can to get Joe Mantegna to reprise his role of Dean Martin, Don Cheadle as Sammy…
Most of the suggestions to play Frank so far will be too old. Much as I dislike James Franco as a talent, he really does have the matinee idol looks for Frank back in those days. Can he sing? Can he learn?
DiCaprio would probably drop anything he’s doing (at the time) to play Frank, but would sadly be too… too.. y’know, too… Leo. Blah.
Frank: Jake Gyllenhaal
Dean: James Franco
Ava: Angelina Jolie
Sammy: Kanye West
Jerry: Brad Pitt
Joey: Owen Wilson
Peter Lawford: George Clooney
Keanu Reaves as Frank, Will Smith as Sammy, Kevin Spacey as Dean, Christain Bale as Joey, Burt Young as Joseph Bonnano who was a friend of Frank’s.
Keep your friends close and keep your enemies closer.
DiCaprio is a man/boy. Not even close to Frank.
I nominate Seth Green in blackface to plac Sammy Davis Jr.!
I always thought Ed Harris looked a lot like the middle aged sinatra.
But it they want younger, sure…Dicaprio…whatever.
Please, not DiCaprio. His total miscasting in The Aviator completely ruined that film. Why is Scorcese (and everyone else, it seems) so in love with the guy?
If it’s the Jersey days, Chris Pine maybe?
To all of the people saying Harry Connick Jr…have you noticed that he cannot act? Like at all? Please find someone else. I’d also prefer it not be Leo.
Johnny Depp is not a bad idea, but I hope they are able to find some realistic looking blue contacts. I may be crazy, but I notice these things and they take me out of the movie.
Clive Owen or Tim Statham. It’s all about the attitude baby.
The ONLY way this will come off well is with an Unknown
HARRY CONNICK JR.
Jude Law
DeCaprio was exceptional as Howard Hughes a much complex individual than Sinatra. As for Sinatra not having connections to the Mafia, it’s well known and documented it was through Sam Giancanna, the Godfather in Chicago that that Sinatra was keeping JFK supplied with Hollywood starlets. This is no secret. The mafia was hughely responsible for much of Sinatra’s success.
Vincent Kartheiser. I’m serious.
I love all these losers who are jealous of DiCaprio. Get out of your parents’ basement and get a life. You’re the same idiots who claimed DiCaprio couldn’t pull of Howard Hughes, or play a “tough” guy in “The Departed” or a mercenary in “Blood Diamond.” Now, two Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe win later, you’re still moaning that he’s overrated, can’t act, yada, yada, yada.
By the way, DiCaprio scored his first Oscar nomination at age 19, years before he made “Titanic” or before Scorsese cast him in a film.
And for those of you who only know Sinatra when he was past 60, he was very boyish in his youth and had a very smooth voice. Ask your grandparents.
CONNICK
is the only acceptable substitute for the Chairman
How about Chris Pine? He’s got talent and of course his success with Star Trek has put him in the limelight! I really couldn’t stand Leo in this. Wahlberg was only good in The Departed. Also, I don’t think casting Connick is a god idea either- sure he’s got the voice but as an actor he sucks. Ben Whishaw wasn’t a bad idea, neither was Maguire (who needs something aside after all the Spiderman films) or Depp (who prob can’t do it since he has so many films lined up).
Definitely Franco
HARRY CONNICK JR. he has it all. he looks like frank…he can sing and…he can act!
Leo De Caprio? big mistake!
Actually, the person who said Jonathan Rhys Meyers made a good choice. He’s a good singer and fantastic at impersonations/interpretations. Plus, as you say, he has the right body look for the role and that sort of lazy/sexy swagger about him. And a good actor who would do well with the intense side fo Frank. I don’t think Leo is a good fit here.
Kevin Spacey…it’s a Oscar nom for sure…..back up actors from “The Rat Pack” to round it out….
Lanky. Rail thin. Italian American. Who can sing.
Perhaps should be an unknown so Georgianna Walken should be on the case post-haste.
The actor is going to lip sync to the Sinatra recordings I would imagine. The Sinatras are no fools about their assets.
If the actor IS going to have to sing : Broadway’s Raul Esparza is definitely worth a look. He might make an excellent Dean as well if that were applicable.
Experiencing DiCaprio as a young Sinatra as seen through a FRESH perspective without singing necessarily – the Sinatra soundtrack set against the story before the story might be quite the visceral jolt – could be good. I never thought I’d buy him as Howard Hughes and I did.
Older Sinatra? Daniel Day Lewis. Hands down. A resemblance too.
Can Buble act? An original Fred Astaire-style musical -a “Funny Face” with Beyonce Knowles being chased by an out-of-his-league Buble/Astaire or Gene Kelly in a glamorous setting – CinemaScope X MGM B/W – that would be fun and might really bring an iPod crowd to the ‘plex. Stanley Donen stuff for the 21st century.
Adam Shenkman. Are you reading this?
Only CAA would have the panache and the style to package something like this.
Otherwise Buble seems too nice and too light and too Canadian to be the dark and tightly wound Sinatra.
John Hamm would be perfect for the part
Singing is a non-factor here (Buble, etc.) The Sinatra estate ain’t gonna make a movie without the real Voice. Pick a young unknown? That’d be nice, but not bloody likely.
Typical “passion” project that will lose money. Seriously, no body under 30 gives a sh&t.
Is there any other business where people are permitted to sink $100 million into what they know will lose money. Except, obviously, for banking.
could Mark Wahlberg pull this off?
NONE of the ABOVE will play Sinatra.
Never would have thought of Johnny Depp, but I believe he has the talent to do the job. No one should attempt the singing. That has to be Frank “all the way!”
DiCaprio does not have the depth of humanity inside required for the role.
They are either going to have to find a new star or use Marc Anthony. a real singer.
The part of Frank Sinatra should be played by the one and only MARC ANTHONY——-I was at a fundraiser and they had a picture of Marc and Frank sitting next to each other (Superimposed). I’m so sorry that I didn’t buy it. Especially since $25.00 was stolen out of my pocketbook anyway. I tried to find it on the computer but I’ve had no success.
Boy would I love to see Marc Anthony place Frank Sinatra.
I want to know who’s gonna play Ava. Please, don’t let it be lightweight Leo. He lacks the gravitas.
Maybe I’m picking hay out of my teeth, but can you make this movie with*out* Harry Connick Jr in the lead?
Really?
marc anthony
RE: Sinatra actor: Frank Ricci, former LasVegas featured singer. Multi-talented entertainer.
harry Connic Jr., THE ONLY choice. He has the ‘look’, the musical talent, can sing like the ‘Chairman’, is a likable actor. What else can Martin want?
Davis in Vegas
Why do people keep quoting the Godfather in the comments? You are of course aware that is _not_ a Scorsese movie. It was directed by FF Coppola
Frank would be played by Phoenix or Depp
Harry Connick Jr would be the best bet.
Harry Connick JR., for starters, with that wonderful swing blues voice he has and he sort of looks like Frank. Matt Damon is really a great actor but I don’t have a clue if he can sing.
I just hope they get someone who can snap on 2 and 4.
“She loathes California…”
Sinatra was a viscerally Italian, Jersey boy. DiCaprio is too white bread. Connick–not really an actor–is a Louisianan with a prominent New Orleans accent. He’s more of a Sinatra sound-alike as is Buble. Johnny Depp is righter for the role if he has the chops to pull off the cultural match. James Franco seems like a pretty good casting idea as well. My guess is the songs will be actual Sinatra recordings with the guy playing Frank lip-synching. Think: Larry Parks in The Jolson Story.
I can see DiCaprio playing the teen years of Sinatra. But how about Sinatra the grown man?
How much you want to bet there will be a scene with “Sinatra” seeing a day in America when a man can marry a man and a woman can marry a woman?
Frank – Jonathan Rhys Meyers
Ava – Catherine Zeta Jones
Dean – James Franco
Sammy – Don Cheadle
Peter – Henry Cavill
Joey – Giovanni Riobisio
Viggo Mortenson if he’s not too old. He’s obviously better looking but Frank did have charisma and the better looks may be an acceptable substitute on the screen for that charisma.
No matter who plays Frank they will have to use Frank’s voice. There’s no way aronud that. That’s the whole major people were willing to give him a pass for his off side. I could see Leo doing it – he was very good in Catch Me. Very disarming. Not so sure he can capture the darker side though.
what about Ray liotta?? He was in Goodfellas is not only is a great actor, but has some similarity look wise.
Steve Lippia. He has the vocal talent and skills for the role, and who knows, maybe he can act, too.
Harry Connick, Jr.?
Tim Roth! Skinny with an attitude. But that accent..
Wahlberg? seriously? has anyone here SEEN the Happening? Franco and Vincent Kartheiser are very good calls (it’ll still be Leo though, who tried very hard and did his best in Aviator but was woefully miscast)
Leonardo De Caprio !!! He would be perfect
Because it’s Scorsese, and because Sinatra was not just a ‘good looking’ guy but one goddamn beautiful human being, it HAS to be either Leo or Brad Pitt.
Sinatra was a work of art. Plain old ‘handsome’ won’t cut it.
I think Leo could nail the role if he puts his heart into it.
actually jonathan rhy meyers !!!! that would work
How can any Frank picture be done without the one who played him best in Rat Pack.
The great one Ray Liotta.
Looks like him and sings?Marc Anthony.
Adrien Brody. Born in New York so the accent won’t be a problem. Has dark, Italian look (although Hungarian born). Young enough (36). Can act – has won an Oscar. Sang a bit in “Son of Sam.”
Johnny Depp or an unknown
How about John Pizzarelli? He’s a Jersey guy who can sing (and play) his butt off.
I’ve seen several people mention Chris Pine, but what about Zachary Quinto? To me, he has more of the look of Sinatra than Pine. Without the Spock makeup anyway!
Or, for a stretch, how about Adam Lambert currently of American Idol? He’s proved he can sing Rat Pack songs and the guy has been in theater almost his entire life.
The Sinatra family is going to be involved? Well, then, the screenplay is going to be watered down. Damn shame.
No, that’s true about Tom Hanks as Dean Martin.
Back when Nick Tosches’ DINO bio hit (and it’s one of the best bios I’ve ever read–hilarious!), Scorsese was interested. Hanks, who played Dino on SNL for a sketch, was so enamored by the character that he even hosted a Christmas party at his home as Dean Martin. The other names mentioned at the time were John Travolta as Frank Sinatra and Jim Carrey as Jerry Lewis. Imagine that film!
But nothing came together and nobody could afford all those names in the same pic. The HBO movie probably was the last nail in that coffin.
I will never forget Teresa, his maid and smashing Ava Gardners statue in his front yard at his request to Sam Hara, his gardner. a lot of good times in the late fifties. Tina’s 57′ chevy nomad and Franks cad and dual Ghia that we drove to the gas station. Cleaning up after parties down by the pool. Redoing his waterfall ever summer and watching Juliet Prowse,
Lauren Bacall and others come and go. I still have my Frank Sinatra paycheck =$2.50/ hour and memories working for his good friend, Natalie Wood. I can’t wait for the movie.
I wrote a screenplay about 2 years ago “Young Blue Eyes” which placed in some screenplay competitions about a young Frank Sinatra. Got it to some Producers who like it but said it wasn’t the “right time” for the project. Now this deal is announced a year later? Better be damn sure I’ll be looking to see if there’s a similarity is storyline!
I would pay money to see Nick Cage do it, but only in his “When Peggy Sue Got Married” voice.
Well, I didn’t know who Jonathan Rhys Meyers was until I saw some people here mention his name, so i Googled him – WOW WOW WOW, he *IS* a young Frank Sinatra physically! So if his acting is up to snuff, i would def vote for him.
I like Leo DiCap in other things, but no way can I see him as a FS.
Di Caprio ruined the Hughes film. Could have been a fascinating movie. He needs to go back to sitcoms. What’s the big deal with this guy? He’s good looking but there are many better looking actors, and with charisma. With Di Caprio, Sinatra will come off smug/smarmy and not be sympathetic or interesting.
This film, like many films these days, would be best served by unknown, fresh talent.
Morrissey is close friends with Nancy — she swears he is the closest modern music has come to her dad and I agree (he even has the same blue eyes). Not saying he should play Sinatra of course, but please give him a cameo!
Of known actors there’s nobody that even closely resembles Sinatra as a young man but if they’re willing to pull a Beowulf for the face, it could work. Otherwise you have to go unknown!
Actually on second thought, James Franco is a pretty good choice…
Jonathan Rhys Meyers would play the Sanatra role to perfection. He won a Golden Globe for playing Elvis in the mini series “Elvis” and he is King Henry Vlll of the Showtime series The Tudors. He most diffinatly has the acting chops and looks to play Sinatra. Lastly, he has the most beautiful eyes of any man alive!!
Leonardo DiCaprio? Oh please, not again. I thought he was miscast as Howard Hughes. I loved him in “Titanic” but as Frank Sinatra? No way. If Scorsese uses DiCaprio it will ruin the film. Use an unknown if you have to. Get someone who captures the essence of Ole Blue Eyes. I want to forget I’m watching an actor playing Sinatra.
Someone suggested Adrian Brody. That’s a joke, right? Adrian Brody is not good-looking, his nose is HUGE. Play an Italian, like ladies man Sinatra? What a hoot.
The odd choice here is Phil Alden Robinson. Why?
The sounds of Sinatra are incredible. His voice is without question unique and appreciated by many many people. He was without question an extremely talented vocalist. It will be an honor to any actor to have the opportunity to portray such a role. Actors have certain ranges from limited to wide ranges that they are comfortable portraying. It would be an injustice to have a limited acting range actor portray the role when a wide range actor could do it more justice. A chameleon like Johnny Depp would be a good consideration for the role. There are a lot of actors just like there are a lot of singers but there was only one Frank and the singers who emulate him are appreciated but, definitely don’t even come close when it comes to really sounding like Sinatra. If an actor is chosen for the role they should be dynamic like the voice of Sinatra even if the actor never sings in the movie and Frank’s music is used for the soundtrack it would make for a better movie than listening to a second rate wanna-be copycat version of the real deal. Cause face it Frank is Frank plain and simple and if someone is going to emulate him it should be the best actor not the best wanna-be sound alike. That’s just one opinion out of many. Anyway I hope they make the movie cause you never know when Scorsese is gonna release that next big Blockbuster. Hope it happens.
Sincerely a
Frank Sinatra Fan
if they want to do well with the real music buffs that will keep this movie alive, they will cast Michael Buble. he is literally the only person that can pull this off-if you don’t have THE VOICE (which I KNOW DiCaprio does not), then you can’t POSSIBLY be Frank Sinatra–the vocal similarity HAS to be there. THAT’S what will make or break this movie. I’m sure the family knows that, though.
Jude Law anybody?
Harry Connick Jr. sure can sing and has his swagger but I think Johnny Depp is the perfect size and he can lip sing.
Make it correct politically and use Puff Daddy
Adam Lambert has the voice
The only person I know that could play Sintra to perfection, is Frank Sinatra himself. It’s just a shame he’s not available.
no movie shou;ld attempt to do justice to Sinatra’s entire career///Scorcese and screenwriters should concentrate on the 60’s….certainly Sinatra’s most interesting and diverse decade…
The fact the family is authorizing it would lead me to think it could end up as a whitewash…….
Will the film depict for example the brawl at the Polo Club in Beverly Hills (1966) in which a business exec wound up in a coma
Someone Italian-American would be the only way to make this movie properly and the only way I would watch it. Not to sounds biased but Sinatra is one of the most famous Italian-Americans of all time. the only person I would watch as Sinatra who is not Italian would be James Franco. Liotta would be great for the part as he played Sinatra in the “Rat Pack” and pulled it off well.
DiCaprio has the blue eyes and can pull off the swagger, and despite what you haters say, he is a great actor.
Well they’ll be miming (please God or why bother?), so vocals aren’t an issue. Who has that clear-eyed, loose-limbed and lean style and charisma? Of all of them (our leading men, and isn’t it an uninspiring list?), it should be Depp, but skinny cocky charm is a young man’s domain really (Robert Pattinson in the younger role?) All depends on the story they want to tell I suppose.
if they do an older sinatra ray liotta should be considered. he did a great job in that hbo rat pack movie. plus, he’s a piazzone
They already did a “Rat Pack” movie with Ray Liotta as Frank, Joe Mantegna as Dean, and Don Cheadle as Sammy and even William Petersen (from CSI) as JFK. I don’t think any of them would want to do it again.
Connick, although the best singing voice, is too old. The should have done this 15 years ago and then Harry would be perfect.
Harry Connick,Jr.
Chris Pine! I vote Chris Pine! Then he could have played TWO legends: Sinatra and James T. Kirk…
I think it should be James Franco, not sure if he sings, but it can be dubbed anyway.
Michael Buble … or
James Marsden,
who was great in hairspray as Corny Collins
The American Idol finalist, Kris Allen looks just like a young Sinatra — AND HE CAN SING!!!
Russell Crowe for an older Sinatra.
Harry Connick, Jr., is the only believable one for this role.
It must be DiCaprio. If Travolta were younger I might suggest him. They are two actors that always put the role and charachter above themselves. They take the time to become that individual. See Blood Diamnond/Gilbert Grape/Saturday Night Fever etc.
None of the actors mentioned above can pull it off. This role needs an unknown who can mimic his singing style. A Sinatra film will only work if the actor can capture his terrific voice, chiseled face, and his mannerisms. Leo will not work for this movie, even though he is a good actor. It will be too distracting for me and a lot of his fans.
Cast the right person for the role, like you did with Deniro in Raging Bull.
I have Sinatra’s movie box-sets, and let me tell you, the guy is truly a great actor. Watch Some Came a Running and The Man With the Golden Arm to see what I mean.
They need to find someone who has done a few independent movies, but hasn’t been given the chance to shine on the big screen. I am not sure if the guy has to be a singer, because, like I said, he has to be able to mimic Sinatra’s singing style. Use the original recordings and technology.
The focus of the movie needs finish at the same time his movie career finished. I would end the film in the late 1960s. Or perhaps end it during one of his television specials. I wouldn’t go into the 1970s, but that is just me.
This film could work. I would approach the movie like an epic, which is what his life was.
Please, don’t cast Leo. Leo might work for the Teddy Roosevelt movie, but not this one.
LEO IN THE YOUNGER DAYS,CONNICK JR. OLDER DAYS
they should open this up “American Idol” style
Jonathan Rhys Meyers would make a great young Sinatra. He was amazing as Elvis, and he can sing.
Use some of Sinatra’s DNA and clone him. Who else can play Frank but Frank. He was a true American Original.
Today 5/14 is the day Sinatra said “excuse me while I disappear”.
No question..Harry Connick. He can sing and sound like Sinatra, and he has blue eyes.
Please use Frank’s vocals!!! Getting another to match the power of “The Voice” will be near impossible! DiCaprio could possibly pull off the acting…but I agree an unknown look-a-like that can act may be better…
I nominate James Franco. Perfect casting. Depp is awesome but I think he’s booked till 2020. It’s Franco or an unknown.
Sean Penn as Sinatra. BEST ACTOR ALL AROUND.
Paolo Nutini as Frank Sinatra.
Harry Conick, Jr. is so obvious. He’s the best for this Sinatra role.
How about Philip Casnoff who was in the 1992 TV Miniseries? Great resemblance, mannerisms and accent to “The Chairman”…He’s street smart from my hometown of Philly too.I’m also certain James Franco could make former “Frankie Trent” shine in this one too.
I think Harry Connick, Jr. would be perfect as Sinatra and he can sing as well as act!
Please not Dicaprio. Scorcese are you listening?
Di Cap is such a woos. We need a man man actor.
Not a boy boy. What a terrible miscast in titanic.
He looks like he is always 10 years old.
Believe it or not: Pee Wee Herman!
If the Sinatra’s are involved, it will be a watered down version of the man’s life. I would expect a mix of truth and fiction, the truth they can live with and the fiction of how they perceived him to be.
I’m thinking diCaprio would do a GREAT job. I’ve never been a huge fan but I do respect his talent.
Where’s the love for Clay Aiken?
I wish Phil Hartman was still alive to do this film. His SNL portrayal of Sinatra was outstanding.
“Listen Blondie, I got chunks of guys like you in my stool!”
You’re all mentioning people who are too old. Should be Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who has the gorgeous eyes, is lanky like Frankie and can morph into anyone. Great actor of our time.
While he played it in a Rat Pack movie, I still think Don Cheadle is perfect for a Sammy Davis Jr. role.
SANJAYA!
With a Sinatra on board it WILL ALL BE A WHITE WASH SO I WON”T WASTE MY MONEY!
It’s an uncastable role… Besides, Tina Sinatra hit it out out the park with her SINATRA miniseries in the early 90s (now out on DVD). Why do it again????
Phillip Casnoff who played Frank was THE BEST on screen Frank I’ve ever seen. Uncanny. All you guys who are talking about Sean Penn, Michael Buble, Connick, Depp are dopes…
Have you ever SEEN Sinatra????
Why not send this to development hell for eight or ten years. By then, you could CGI it using the real Frank.
It’d be a gas, baby.
Di Caprio would be terrible but so would Connick and Buble (he probably can’t act to save his life anyway). Crowe is way too fat and wouldn’t sing good enough. This has to be played by an Italian American unknown really good actor who can also sing like Sinatra. Forget the Hollywood pretty boys and start the casting calls. Somewhere in this country an unknown talent is about to be a major star (hopefully).
Michael Buble, of course.
I’m for Philip Casnoff too. No liberal pinheads!!!
joe pesci same height ..hairpiece..hoboken
It really needs to be Toby Huss. He looks and sounds like Sinatra. Some people think he only does comedy, but go watch his scenes in Basketball Diaries.
Harry Connick, Jr. was the first name that I thought of, also.
I’m not getting some of these names. A great director can do a lot of things but if the guy is too old for the part or the wrong vibe it won’t work. I like Rhys Meyers. He has that wirey thing down and I can just see him as Frank with the dangling cig and the scotch in his hand. He has impressive acting range and he’s very good at interpretting characters as others have said — and he naturally kind of bounces around like a terrier the way Sinatra did.
Are some of you people on drugs? Leo DiCaprio is a fabulous actor and if undertakes Ol’ Blue Eyes, he’s sure to do a magnificent job.
But whoever mentioned James Franco was brilliant. I think he could nail it. So could Depp.
For sure, Michael Buble.
I don’t know if he’s got the singing or acting chops to do it, but Adrian Grenier looks similar to Sinatra in the younger days and already has blue eyes like Frankie…
I’d pick Anton Yelchin to play the young Sinatra – seriously, the guy was a beanpole.
I doubt very much whether the movie will show Sinatra’s real origins on the Hoboken bar and brothel circuit with ‘Nan’ Cohen and subsequent graduation to ‘Longy’ Zwillman’s properties in Bergen County. People always associate Sinatra with the Italian mob but it was really Jewish mobsters that threw him his first meaningful breaks.
Robert Downey Jr. in blackface as Sammy Davis Jr.
I totally agree with a previous post. American Idol finalist, Kris Allen looks remarkably like a young Sinatra and he has the pipes as well. Previous Idol runner-up, Jennifer Hudson was catapulted to stardom in “Dreamgirls,” a possible outcome for Kris Allen as well?
Kevin Spacey…Great chops, did a great Bobby Darin
I think an unknown would be really good.
The Sinatra actor whom ever they select does not have to be a singer. There are thousands of Sinatra audio tracks that the actor can lip sync to including the early years. What about Frank Sinatra Jr. his voioce would be perfect for the earley years of the Columbia Records sound ?
what are you guys on? it was already leaked that neil patrick harris was getting the role. move along…
Johnny Depp and he can sing!
Johnny Depp. And he can sing.
Harry Conic Jr would be my choice, but he wouldn’t
sell as many tickets as Leonardo….art over bucks?
NO WAY.
They have to at least screen test Michael Buble for the role…those looks would kill but for a tested actor and FABULOUS singer I would have to go with Harry Conick Jr….please no Leoardo dicaprio!!!!!
Jonathan Rhys Meyers….ohhhh…also a great thought for this role!!!!
I was going to suggest Michael Feinstein or Harry Connich Jr. They can both SING! I suppose we’ll have to take some young sexy dude who doesn’t know squat.
I don’t think DiCaprio has made a good picture since Gilbert Grape. I loved his character in that. I thought it was genius. Of course–it introduced me to Johnny Depp—–
it’s really too bad that Scorsese never could get the DINO film together… it would have been wayyy better than this dicraphole shitfest. sigh. whither the days of GOOD scorsese…
Jonathan Rhys Meyers
James Franco and/or Harry Connick, Jr. could be sure fire contenders.
Shia Lebouf
I’m suprised they’re not going to do a CGI Sinatra. The technology’s definitely there, and there are lots of photos, films, recordings and videos to sample…
Harry Connick Jr 100% gets my vote he even looks like a whop!! Frank Sinatra was a tough guy who wouldnt take any shit!! Michael Buble please he is a puss same with Dicaprio puss!! Harry has my vote he has the voice the look and my man love!!!
Who’s gonna play Jilly Rizzo?
Ma Sinatra is another meaty role. Who do you like for Ma?
Michael Buble is the K-Mart version of Frank, can barely carry off a tv interview! Leo is a good actor, but Frank didn’t look like a Viking. Depp is not the only actor in town, his face is too refined. Connick is too old for the part , Franco doesn’t have the charisma. Rhys Meyers is perfect, he projects the same vulnerability that Frank had when younger.
I would prefer an unknown and because this story is all about a man born with a magical sound and the talent to present it, the only voice we hear on screen should be the voice of Frank Sinatra. For once I would love to see a story of Frank that focuses on his technique and his life in the studio and on the band stand. Enough of the Mafia crap already. I would ask young people to listen to Frank’s earliest big band recordings so that they might grasp the enormity of his talent.
If it’s DiCaprio, I will kill myself. Actually, he needs an unknown for this or an up and coming. Find a new DeNiro Mr. Scorsese. Don’t f this up. Frank would eat DiCaprio for breakfast if he wanted to eat light. Men should play men, no?
Christian Bale. He’s skinny and has that “don’t put your hand in the cage” personality that Frank had at times.
Nobody comes to mind as doing it justice, so I’d go with an unknown.
di Caprio would be fine, unless they intend to take it past Sinatra’s high school days.
Christian Bale
DiCaprio….Depp….Downey…or..Connick……Harry Connick Jr concerts are the very much like the old Sinatra concerts.
Barbara
Depp
James Marsden would be the best for sure…he’s the guy who played Corny Collins in Hairspray, the Prince in Enchanted, and Cyclops in X-men. A real triple threat.
Quinto is a great idea, we all know he’s great acting wise from Heroes and Star Trek and he’s got the look. A role like this with Scorsese would raise his profile quite a bit. Pine seems like a good idea looks wise but I fear he wouldn’t have the chops for a role like this. If not Quinto, then it should be Franco….
I’ve already tipped my hand that I’m a Rhys Meyers fan.
Jonny’s by far the most complicated and intense Frank. PLUS he’s whippet thin AND a second gen musician who CAN dance and act and he makes women (and some men) swoon. Then too, when it comes to playing Old Blue Eyes, JRM’s got THE bluest eyes in tinseltown.
But having NAILED David Bowie at 19, then NAILED Elvis Presley in his 20s, IF upstart jonny rhys meyers scored Sinatra TOO, the HOLLYWOOD mafia would put out a contract on him!
DiCaprio is doing Brave New World with Ridley Scott, The Chairman would…not approve. And, God love him, Depp ROCKED in Sweeney, but give it up! He is Cherokee not Italian…and he is ALWAYS…Depp. Jude Law is a interesting choice. Simon Baker could do it and so could an unknown…
But give it to who it BELONGS to…Harry Connick Jr. At least give Michael Bublé a shot at it cause he IS Sinatra incarnate, fiercely talented, and I bet he can act.
And then LET them sing it cause…they can.
They list Gary Lemel as a producer…what will he do…
where is nancy with the smiling face…Peter Guber,
he comes on how…conflicted production with these
people
Gotta be Harry Connick Jr. – he’s got the voice, the look / face and body type and style
George Clooney as Dino!
Dean Martin, known as the “King of Cool” and the “Clown Prince of Vegas”, had style, easy charm, dazzling stage presence, a mischievous reputation, and comedic skills to spare — and that just about describes George Clooney.
James Franco is an intriguing choice for Ol’ Blue Eyes.
But who will play Marilyn Monroe? She was entangled in Sinatra’s complex relationshiop with JFK.
Simple requirements:
1. The actor MUST look like Sinatra (with prostheses, if needed for the appearance).
2. The actor must be an excellent singer (unless the film uses Sinatra’s own recordings). If Sinatra’s recordings are used, hopefully the film will use unreleased recordings wherever possible.
3. Both the ugliness of Sinatra’s attitudes and associations *and* the quiet, but very positive things he did must be covered. I’m told that he had one hell of a temper. But he also believed in civil rights (as I understand it). So the picture should paint Sinatra as a man, warts and all – not a saint or a demon.
How about Rick Astley (Never Gonna Give You Up) who is currently residing in the “Where are they now” category
Mark Walberg
Different, but why not Bruce Springsteen?
Three possible choices:
1) John Hamm;
2) George Clooney; or
3) Matt Damon
Big Sinatra fan ……
Think that Hugh Jackman would be perfect as Sinatra….
Please, oh please don’t let anyone sing the tunes. Whoever gets the leading role shold not attempt to sing; lip-sync the tunes with Frank actually singing. They did it in the 40’s in “The Jolson Story”, with Jolson singing and Larry Parks lip-synching. It was fantastic. No singer can compare with Frank. Tina, please don’t let them do it!
Sincerely,
Tom Barron
Frank: Jim Gaffigan
Dean: Bill O’Reilly
Ava: Rosie O’Donnell
Sammy: Lil’ Bow-Wow
Jerry: Danny DeVito
Joey: Ric Moranis
Peter Lawford: Crack-Head Bob
Marc Anthony! It should be someone with an “ethnic” look. The young Sinatra was thin and had curly hair…aka…Marc Anthony.
I think casting the part depends on what part of Frankie’s life they are going to concentrate on.
Who better to play Frank Sinatra than Frank Sinatra? CGI the Chairman of the Board!
Frank – Adrien Brody (painfully thin yet sexy in a very different sort of way, like Frank) Or Leonardo DiCaprio
Ava – Rachel McAdams (with black hair) – she has the lips, the sexuality and the intensity.
Dean – Robert Downey Jr.
Sammy – Don Cheadle (was a PERFECT Sammy in HBO movie)
Peter – James Franco (plays drunk, weak yet suave very well)
Joey – Will Farrell
whalberg – that could be an inspired choice.
Martin Scorcese making another biopic, like he did of Howard Hughes?
It’s the wave of the future.
It’s the wave of the future.
It’s the wave of the future.
It’s the wave of the future.
It’s the wave of the future.
One of the Jonas Brothers….
My bet is on Will Smith.
Why make a film with someone that recognizable. It should be an unknown who resembles Sinatra. No matter how good deCaprio is, you will not believe it one hundred percent because he is too recognizeable as an actor. Why do such smart Hollywood people make such stupid mistakes.
Some of these suggestions are terrible!
Buble??? that guy is terrible!
Some ranking for no reason, some of you raNting for no reason.
Connick Jr …no one comes close with or without using his voice- this man loves and RESPECTS Sinatra and knows that man inside and out
Depp 2nd
Scarlett Johannson would be a good Marilyn.
Toby Huss all the way – all other suggestions are cliche (as Toby WILL BE AFTER this film, but the believability factor will be greater). He’s been portraying Frank Sinatra for the bulk of his career in some capacity, so why not pull from the vast reservoir of his experience? That’s not really a question so don’t answer it.
Justin Timberlake is the obvious choice – can sing, dance and wear a fedora.
Robbie Williams…YEAH!
Sinatra was A talented singer
but to any long time las vegan he is a rat @$$ BUM from Hoboken
Kris Allen from American Idol would be a great young Sinatra. Or the guy who is the new Captain Kirk in Star Trek, Chris Pine would also be fantastic.
A young unknown should play Sinatra. He should have blue eyes and be able to sing. (Why are people suggesting near senior citizens such as Depp and Downey? You must be kidding.)
I’ll explain why they should cast an unknown (b/c everyone else seems to be suggesting major stars like Timberlake): Sinatra was such a big star that the audience won’t be able to let go/suspend their imaginations and view the story if they are watching another big star play him. It’ll just be “Oh look at Justin playing Sinatra” instead of “Oh, that was a good movie about Sinatra.” It just wouldn’t work for Sinatra (although I’m sure an established star would love to play the part and it would work out for them in the form of an Oscar nomination. But it wouldn’t benefit Sinatra or the movie.)
During the years that I was Mr. Sinatra’s pianist/conductor, he told me that he wanted Robert DeNiro to portray him in his life story. I can’t think of a better actor. He also wanted Martin Balsam to portray his father as he told me that he thought they had a similar physical appearance. Obviously, that is no longer possible.
WHAT A GREAT TRIBUTE TO OLD BLUE EYES.
WITH HIS FAMILY DIRECTLY INVOLVED IT SHOULD BE A FACTUAL FILM. ALL THE BEST.
there won’t be any of the stories ala the kitty kelly bio – this will be a pure whitewash – no thugs holding down a critic while ol’ blue eyes kicks him in the face – “we’ve been hearing those stories (mob ties) about frank for years” – ronald reagan – besides, he stole his “cool” phrasing from lester young – but i do not deny that he was a true humanitarian regarding civil rights and a tremendously gifted artist. as for “the scorsese touch” (extreme violence)? we’ll just have to wait and see…
Johnny Depp. Hands down. He can sing. And he’d look perfect.
The person above said it right – why do such smart people make such stupid decisions? With DiCaprio, it will fail and then the studios will say no one’s going to the movies, or the demographic was too old, or some other nonsense when really it was miscast. They need to have a nationwide casting call and find a new talent. Meanwhile, someone needs to redo The Aviator with a better actor.
Why not use Frank Sinatra Jr?
James Purefoy from hbo’s Rome & Vanity Fair
There have been some good suggestions on who should play Frank. Why not his son Junior? He sings great, looks and sounds like his father and probably a good actor in his own right. Frank Sinatra Jr. playing his father is perfect. Consider it Mr. Scorsese. We can discuss it at Mary Albanese’s butcher shop.
Marcia Gaye Harden could play Ma Sinatra & Mickey Rourke can play Jilly Rizzo.
It would be great if they found a complete unknown to play the part. I don’t really want to see an already famous face play Frank.
Mark Walberg & Matt Damon can be cast as JFK & RFK, they look alike enough to play brothers.
I just hope they do an HONEST film about a very remarkable and complex man.
Kevin Spacey might do, … but not for the early Sinatra. I hope they find a reasonable look-alike who does good lip-synch. NO ONE can replace Sinatra’s voice. He always will be THE Voice. and unforgetable.
Harry Connick, Jr. – it would be a true labor of love.
There is only one person. his name is johnny vassallo. He is handsome has blue eyes and sings like Sinatra. has all the moves and has sang at the rainbow rm in manhattan with the new york big band for the last 3 yrs he is Sinatra reborn. The band is joe battaglia and they should use his band too. go to his web site
grazia
I agree with the previous message posters who said Vincent Kartheiser, him and Frank have similar builds and bright blue eyes. Also, Kartheiser is an unknown and audiences would have an easier time suspending their disbelief.
Harry Connick sorta looks like him in some of his photos:
just type yahoo.com or google.com and type in the name and then press images. Connick has a great voice (I also happen to think Bubble is fab too).
However surprisingly the great actor out there that can pass for Frank the most (just looking at photos and knowing what he looks like on film) is Jason Bourne I mean Matt Damon. Esp. when he lost weight for Courage Under Fire his chin got really small. He has Franks face: chin, dimples, shape and his nose. Only the eyes don’t match, however his eyes are definitely a better match than Di Caprio. However like Di Caprio I don’t think he sings.
Although he is now 70 so he can’t play the young/middle age Frank when Dion DiMucci was young he definitely could pass for Frank–both are Italian, slender, with delicate figures. Dion also has the voice. Go to youtube.com and listen to Could Somebody Take My Place. However Dion pushed in a different directions even tho producers/managers/parents wanted to push him to be the next Sinatra. ha ha. Anyways that was irrelevant to this post.
harry connick would be a good choice but he’s just too tall. Watching “the tudors” for the first time and discovered j rhees myers (i was not familiar with him) and it appears to be a no brainer…t he eyes, the chisled bone structure, the attitude…..the fact that he can play the larger than life henry VIII and be so small framed is a testament to his acting chops.
Harry Connick Jr is the first person that comes to mind. He’s the full package.