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How About Johnny Depp for Martin Scorsese's Sinatra?

by Alex Billington
May 14, 2009
Source: Deadline Hollywood

Earlier today we ran the rather exciting story about Martin Scorsese agreeing to direct the Frank Sinatra biopic to be called just Sinatra for Universal. It's certainly great to hear that Marty is on board to direct, and Phil Alden Robinson is on board to write the script, but this project just needs some more A-list talent to be perfect. So how about Johnny Depp for the role of Frank Sinatra? While Scorsese wants Leonardo DiCaprio (as always), Universal is pushing for Depp, according to Nikki Finke at Deadline Hollywood. Plus, as she reiterates, "it's already been determined that the lead actor playing Sinatra won't be singing."

Yesterday it was announced that Universal had reached an agreement with Frank Sinatra Enterprises. Therefore the film will feature Sinatra's own recordings instead of relying on an actor that can sing. Not that it would've been a problem to use an actor that could sing, but I think we're all be better off knowing it's actually Sinatra we're hearing. I'm sure there will be a bit of back and forth between Scorsese and Universal on which actor would be better in the end, and it'll be exciting to see who they choose in the end. So how about it? Could Johnny Depp pull off Frank Sinatra? Or would Leonardo DiCaprio do a better job?

Explore tags: Casting, Rumors

adrian

Sinatra is a very grounded character, he's flashy in a way but also very human, relatable. Depp would be good but not my number 1 choice. I think Dicaprio would be a great choice not just because he's a talented actor but because Scorsese is so comfortable with him. Scorsese has talked about how he and Deniro had the same sentimentalities and look what work they put out. So far he and Dicaprio have put out fantastic work. Why derail the train?
MichaelBaysMom

Because they don't look alike at all?
Darunia

I believe that studious shouldn't have to put up with Dicaprio just because they want to work with Martin Scorsese. I would be much more interested in seeing Martin Scorcese working with Depp, than seeing Martin Scorsese work with Di Caprio again...
Warren J

Why not Chris Pine?
Toucmyinfection

*sigh* You know its starting to bug me that people are beginning to think that Johnny Depp can play ANY! role, dont get me wrong, he's a very talented actor, but to think that he can play anything?? c'mon, its like when Ledger died after TDK, and everybody wanted Depp to be the Joker.... if anything, Id say that Joey Pants resembles that picture of Frank Sinatra more than anything....
bc

No, not a good idea because its sinatra, not a guy who tries to justify the actions of pirates and bank robbers. Maybe Dicaprio, he pulled off Howard Hughes, but they need to really search for someone that was not a pirate that had gay undertones.
Darunia

Your reasoning bc, is so retarded it's astounding.
bc

maybe but i'm not the only one that thinks its a bad idea, #5 makes a good point.
Bogart

I was just thinking the same thing #4! Chris Pine would be great - he's got the look, the intense eyes and personality, yet he's got that cockey/cheeky undertone that would work with the rat-pack vibe.
http://movies.iconocritic.com/ peloquin

I agree with #5...I love Depp, but his range is becoming a bit ridiculous.
Maxx

being a huge fan of both Sinatra and Depp I wouldn't really want Depp to portray him. I mean he is a great actor but when Depp plays a role people always see Depp, not the role. Thats what happens when you become a star. I believe Sinatra should be played by an unknown but with Scorsese I doubt that will happen.
SuzyQ

I'd love to see Johnny Depp collaborate with Martin Scorsese or any other great director on a project with great material, but I'm not sure I want to see a biopic of Sinatra.
http://www.bleepinggeek.com Pete the Geek

I know that the media and the studios (and probably Scorsese) will want to go with an A-List huge megastar, but IMHO the best choice for someone to play Ol' Blue Eyes is Toby Huss. He already looks the part, has spent years perfecting a Sinatra impression, and judging by his work on Carnivale, he's got the acting chops. Just my two cents - http://chiefmag.com/issues/9/profiles/Toby-Huss/data/page_1.jpg
Dan W

I have to agree with everyone for Depp. I've seen what Scorsese has done with dicaprio already and I'd be very excited to see what Scorsese and Depp come up with.
http://MYSPACE.COM/ESOPHUS JEFFREY

noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!
Dexter

I love Leo, and i'll see anything he's in. However, like others 've said he had done Aviator and was very brilliant in it. To see him again as Sinatra would be too much for me to take it in, I'll go with Depp. And who doesn't love him too?
Hans

Between these two choices; Depp. It would be good for Scorcese and Depp to work together. I'm curious as to what Depp can do in a serious role. DiCaprio is a very talented actor, but he and scorcese are joined at the hip. It's time a sugeon steps in...
zach s

i think chris pine would be a very good choice, though i cant help but think depp would be great. however (and this may be a long shot)............................................what about christian bale? he's got the intensity, he can pull off the pretty boy swagger......i think he may be a better choice then both depp and decaprio!
LSP

Neither could pull it off and fuckin' Star Trek has turned out too many Pine idols. I see a new Depp. You can tell who is a Sinatra fan and who sometimes goes to the movies but has no idea what art is. Sinatra needs to be left alone in all reality. Those movies do well on TV but never in theaters for some reason.
theotherbluth

LSP- Totally agree, remember when "Ray" bombed and "Walk the Line", musical Biops all suck unless they are on TV(end sarcasm). I have to agree w/#5 all of a sudden everyone wants Johnny to play every role! I love his work and have for a long time but please stop the madness. I can't think of anyone who should play Sinatra, I'll leave it up to Marty.
Lou

i was thinking more of someone like Matt Damon, he kinda looks like Sinatra, at least a little more than johnny depp!
SkyNet

Rofl @ #4....... Get off the faboy wagon of chris pine. Hes an average actor. As of my opinion who should play Ol' Blue eyes? billy Zane ^_^
http://gmail.com AvidMovieGoer

Hmm, James Marsden would have to be my pick. He can actually sing (not that he would since they'd just take Sinatra's tracks), but its a plus.
tony torres

it's funny when someone has the look alike Sinatra all his life but and fact from Brooklyn NY why not get someone who does look alike Sinatra 100% if your really want to know then go to the website myspace.com/tonysinatra
Trinity

I don't get all this fuss about Johnny Depp not having done serious roles or that he's too strong a personality to play someone else. Have you guys watched Finding Neverland or Public Enemies? He played someone else who once existed and I daresay he was brilliant, on both counts. Some are saying that George Clooney is also being considered. Irregardless, I think they all resemble Sinatra somewhat and would do a good job.
Ruben soto

I happen to know somebody who looks exactly like a young frank sinatra and has been performing around NYC for sometime. He can't walk down the street without people noticing this. His singing performance has had people tell him NYC loves him and people refer to him as frank. I have never seen or heard of anyone that looks or sounds just like him but this guy does! People of Sinatra's generation would agree. Go to myspace (tonysinatra)
Sinatra connoisseur

Sinatra's speaking voice was as magical as his singing voice. For God's sakes, Scorcese, listen to someone who knows. Lennie doesn't even have a voice. His raspy teenage drawl will only ruin the impression. A giant as an actor he is, but DON'T USE HIM. PLEASE!!! Remember the disaster of Ray Liotti wearing the felt hat? Sinatra defined style and swagger. PLEASE, PLEASE, SCORSESE. Wake up.