May 14 2009Scorsese Directing Sinatra Biopic, DiCaprio Undoubtedly Starring

In a grouping of Italian favorites the likes of which has previously only been seen on an Olive Garden menu, Martin Scorsese has signed on to direct and produce Universal's long-planned Frank Sinatra biopic. From Variety:

Universal Pictures and Mandalay Pictures are teaming on "Sinatra" and have brought on Scorsese — who has long flirted with a biopic on singer-actor Frank Sinatra — to direct and produce.

Phil Alden Robinson is writing the screenplay.

Although no actor is attached to star in the film, Schulman said Leonardo DiCaprio is an obvious candidate because he has become Scorsese’s go-to actor over the past decade, having starred in the director’s past four features: "Gangs of New York," "The Aviator," "The Departed" and the upcoming "Shutter Island." Because any music in the film will come from Sinatra’s recordings, it will not be necessary to cast an actor who is a proficient singer.

Well, of course DiCaprio is going to play Sinatra. And I'm sure he'll do a fine job with it. But what I'd really like to see is DeNiro in a role--probably something mob-related--along with the inexplicable inclusion of Tony Montana, Al Pacino's character in Scarface, so that pizza places could just have this one poster and cover all their bases.