Taxi Driverscreenwriter Paul Schrader says he could’ve done aFrank Sinatrabiopic, but the project died over his insistence on casting a “canceled” actor to star. Schrader, who has worked as both a director and writer, has been attached to a number of unproduced biopics, but his Sinatra movie stood out. The legendary singer and actor has been rumored as a biopic subject for years, but thislong-dreamed-about Sinatra moviehas yet to materialize. Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio are the biggest names trying to bring Sinatra’s story to the screen, but their planned project has reportedly stalled.
Famed Scorsese collaborator Schrader may not be involved in this proposed DiCaprio-starring Sinatra biopic, but he has considered the idea of making his own movie about the life of the superstar mafia-connected crooner. The agreement would only come if he was allowed to cast one particular actor as the leading man. Unfortunately, as he revealed toMovieWebin a recent interview,the actor he has in mind is Kevin Spacey, who has been exiled from Hollywood since his multiple sexual assault allegations, and as such, financiers refuse to back his project. See what Schrader shared below:
I never worked on it. I was sent the Frank Sinatra script […] It’s not the one Marty [Scorsese] is trying to do either. I thought, “This was made for Kevin Spacey,” and I went to the financiers and said, “I’ll do this with Kevin Spacey,” and they said, “No, you won’t. We won’t make that film.” Even though he was acquitted in a court of law, he is still canceled. I was only interested in doing it with Kevin.
What This Means For Spacey & Schrader
Spacey Has Faced Multiple Allegations Since 2017
Spacey’s alleged history of sexual misconduct began coming to light in 2017when actor Anthony Rapp accused the Oscar-winner of making sexual advances towards him at a party. The approach reportedly came when Rapp was only 15 years old. More allegations followed, including some accusing Spacey of sexual harassment on the set of the Netflix showHouse of Cards. Some allegations concerned on-set behavior, while others were entirely in public spaces. Though multiple criminal and civil cases have been opened against Spacey, he has yet to be found guilty in court. Additionally, he continues to deny committing these various acts.
Spacey made his return to the big screen in 2022’sThe Man Who Drew God, directed by Franco Nero.
Though criminal charges against him have yet to land,Spacey has faced career-related consequences. He lost his role onHouse of Cards, and was removed fromRidley Scott’sAll the Money in the Worldafter already filming his role. Actor Christopher Plummer took his place in the reshoots. For his part, Schrader seems to believe that Spacey’s not guilty verdicts in court should therefore bring the actor back onto film producers’ radar. Considering that the financiers refuse to support this new project, it is apparent that even those looking to make a Sinatra biopic disagree with Schrader.
Will Frank Sinatra Ever Have A Movie?
The Actor & Singer Remains Bereft
Few actors have ever had such extensive and compelling careers as Sinatra. The star, who lived from 1915 to 1998, wasrenowned for both his musical performances and his on-screen roles.Sinatra’s best moviesranged fromThe Manchurian Candidate(1962) toFrom Here to Eternity(1953), all while he continued his career as a Grammy Award-winning singer. He also took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor inFrom Here to Eternity(1953). Most impressively, he was granted a Congressional Gold Medal after his death, in an effort to honor his long legacy as a renowned star.
There are plenty of uncanceled actors around who could do a good job portraying the legendary singer/actor.
Yet, for all of those accomplishments, Sinatra remains bereft of a biopic. Other musicians, including Notorious B.I.G. (Notorious), Johnny Cash (Walk the Line), and Elvis (Elvis), have seen movies of their own.Sinatra has enjoyed some on-screen depictionsinThe Rat Pack(1998),Stealing Sinatra(2003), andThe Night We Called It a Day(2003), but few have gained much traction. For such a beloved star, a complete biopic could provide new recognition and a wider reach for his existing properties. Schrader’s lack of interest in the project, however, means that the upcoming depiction will fall to Scorsese.
Our Take On Schrader Wanting To Make A Sinatra Movie With Spacey
Schrader Is Known For Taking Controversial Stances
Schrader has long been outspoken on a variety of topics, which can sometimes rub people the wrong way with his controversial opinions. Given his iconoclastic tendencies, it is no surprise that Schrader disagrees withHollywood’s attitude toward Spacey, an actor who received loads of acclaim before being “canceled” by the industry. The star, who appeared inHouse of Cards,American Beauty(1999),Superman Returns(2006), and more beloved movies and shows, has the talent for the role, buthis controversies are understandably concerning for potential producers.
While it is no shock to see the uncompromising Schrader sticking to his guns on a matter of casting, it is somewhat puzzling that he would so strongly insist on casting Spacey for Sinatra, refusing to consider anyone else. There are plenty of uncanceled actors around who could do a good job portraying the legendary singer/actor in Schrader’s sure-to-be-interesting biopic, but the director won’t budge on Spacey. Knowing that, if there is ever going to be aFrank Sinatramovie, it is unlikely that Schrader will ever have the opportunity to serve as a creative influence.
10 Storylines We Need To See In Martin Scorsese’s Frank Sinatra Biopic
Womanizing, organized crime, and a bizarre kidnapping – Frank Sinatra’s life could provide the perfect material for Martin Scorsese’s upcoming biopic.
Schrader is seemingly out of the running to make aFrank Sinatrabiopic, but Scorsese and DiCaprio remain in the game, though their project faces its own problems. Sinatra would seem a natural subject for a biopic in an era when movies about famous singers are hotter than ever, but getting such a movie off the ground is proving nearly impossible.
Source:MovieWeb
Frank Sinatra
Discover the latest news and filmography for Frank Sinatra, known for The Man with the Golden Arm and From Here to Eternity.
