Mark Wahlberg is one of the most versatile and successful actors working today. He has starred in a wide range of films, from critically acclaimed dramas to blockbuster action movies. But, the $400 million rich Hollywood star was not an actor, according to American musical superstar Frank Sinatra’s son Sinatra Jr.
Martin Scorsese, the acclaimed filmmaker wanted to make a movie on Frank Sinatra’s life. Frank Sinatra became one of the most sought-after performers in the entertainment industry; he was often hailed as the greatest American singer of 20th-century popular music.
Frank Sinatra’s Son Does Not Consider Mark Wahlberg Even as an Actor
Martin Scorsese has made a ton of biopics over the course of his storied filmmaking career. From telling the life stories of boxer Jake LaMotta, mob informant Henry Hill to financial criminal Jordan Belfort he has mastered this genre just like his love for gangster movies.
And then there was one personality of whom Scorsese badly wanted to make a film. That is Frank Sinatra. When Sinatra was in active development, it was rumored that Scorsese was eyeing Al Pacino for the title role.
Sinatra’s son Santara Jr. in an interview with Ok mentioned that there came many names to play the life of his father. Among the names, one was Mark Wahlberg. But it seemed like Sinatra Jr. did not want Wahlberg. He said:
“Mark Wahlberg, I would hope they would pass.” On being asked the reason, he added, “Because we need an actor.”
However, for some reason, Scorsese scrapped the project in 2017.
Why Martin Scorsese Abandoned His Plans for the Biopic?
Martin Scorsese had given up on doing a Frank Sinatra biopic because of disagreements with the Sinatra estate. The remaining members of the family don’t want certain aspects of his life on the big screen, which leads to the project being canceled.
Scorsese told The Toronto Sun:
“We can’t do it. I think it is finally over. [Sinatra’s estate] won’t agree to it. Open it up again and I’m there…Certain things are very difficult for a family, and I totally understand. But if they expect me to be doing it, they can’t hold back certain things. The problem is that the man was so complex. Everybody is so complex – but Sinatra in particular.”
Scorsese wanted to show all the complexity of Sintara’s life and on the other hand, Sinatra’s estate wanted the shining side of his life to be portrayed. The project was dead then.
