Frank Sinatra's Family Clashed With Director Martin Scorsese Over Singer's Delayed Biopic: Why

A Frank Sinatra's musical biopic is currently in development with Leonardo DiCaprio starring as the late music icon -- thanks to the mind of Academy Award-winning director Martin Scorsese.

However, this wasn't the first time that the Killers of the Flower Moon director attempted a Sinatra biopic, as an initial plan for the project was scrapped years ago after he clashed with the singer's estate.

Martin Scorsese Initially Scrapped Frank Sinatra Biopic Plans

Speaking to The Toronto Sun in 2017 while he was on his promotional tour for Silence, Scorsese revealed that his planned biopic for Sinatra had been canceled.

It was ditched due to a clash between his ideas and Sinatra's estate. As early as 2011, writer Phil Alden Robinson had been developing the script for the project and Scott Rudin was onboarded to produce.

"We can't do it!" Scorsese said at the time, with "a tinge of sadness," the outlet reported. "I think it is finally over. They [remaining members of the Sinatra clan] won't agree to it. Open it up again and I'm there!"

Expounding more on the difficulties that he had experienced while mounting the project, Scorsese emphasized that there are "certain things" that are "very difficult" for the family and that he "totally understand[s]" why.

The famed director apparently wanted to explore the "My Way" singer's "darker side." Medium reported that Sinatra had been involved with the Italian mafia, was abusive to his wives and lovers, and had a temper and ego.

"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," he further told the outlet.

READ MORE: Frank Sinatra Death Anniversary: Exploring the Legendary Singer's Music Career

Martin Scorsese Relaunches Frank Sinatra Biopic With Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence

Variety exclusively revealed that Scorsese is reviving the Frank Sinatra biopic with DiCaprio as Sinatra and Jennifer Lawrence as Ava Gardner.

The publication noted that the estate has yet to give their blessing to the director. They pointed out that it might be because Scorsese would tackle Gardner's affair with Sinatra, which would be in conflict with the estate's current manager -- Tina Sinatra.

Gardner broke up Sinatra's marriage with Tina's mother, Nancy Barbato. The publication also reported that Scorsese's plan to delve into Sinatra's dark past remains unchanged in his new plan for the biopic.

READ ALSO: Frank Sinatra Biopic Eyes Leonardo DiCaprio to Play the Singer, Martin Scorsese to Direct