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Martin Scorsese to direct Sinatra biopic

After talking for years about wanting to make a film about Frank Sinatra, it looks like Martin Scorsese is finally making the dream a reality, as Universal confirmed today that they and development partner Mandalay Pictures have asked Scorsese to direct the film. This is, of course, the epic kind of news not heard often enough in Hollywood lately, and it feels just right that Mr. Scorsese will be the one guiding this story to the screen.

Mandalay and Universal have secured the rights to the story from the Sinatra family, the rights to use Sinatra’s music via Warner Music Group and a script by Phil Alden Robinson is already in progess, so the giant question looming now is, of course: who will play Frances Albert Sinatra?

The role is the stuff that Oscar dreams are made of, and it will be interesting to see if an established actor will win the right to play The Chairman of the Board, or if an unknown will get the break of a lifetime. Will they choose someone who has the right look, or go with someone who has the vocal capabilities to bring his classic songs and sound to life?

We’re also excited by the all the possibilities for intriguing supporting roles; there could actually be some interesting casting fights going on around Hollywood to play the likes of Ava Gardner, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., etc.

Have any ideas about who should play Mr. Sinatra?

The Universal press release follows:

Universal Pictures to Produce Sinatra, a Mandalay Pictures Production to be Directed by Martin Scorsese

Phil Alden Robinson writing screenplay based on life of Legendary American entertainer

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., May 13 /PRNewswire/ — Universal Pictures has acquired the feature film project Sinatra from Mandalay Pictures for Academy Award® winner Martin Scorsese to direct, it was announced today.

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