Universal Wants Depp to Play Sinatra

Yesterday, the news came that Martin Scorsese would direct a Frank Sinatra movie. I hope they go the Rat Pack Origins: Ol' Blue Eyes route and we get Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop spin-offs, but in the meantime, we can have all sorts of fun casting the role of Frank Sinatra. Deadline Hollywood Daily, which broke the initial story, now says that Universal wants Johnny Depp for the part. He won't be singing, so that's not an issue, but because Da U has Public Enemies in theaters this summer, Nikki Finke says the studio wants to stay "in the Johnny Depp business." Hard to blame Universal for that, although I'm not sure Marty Scorsese wants this movie cast for him by the suits. Also, as great as Depp is, does anyone else think he's just wrong for the part of Frank Sinatra? It's stunt casting, opening weekend casting, and I'm not sure that's the best recipe for success. A lot of people would say DiCaprio has the pole position because of his endless work with Scorsese, but I have two options I think could be solid. 1 - Billy Crudup. Talk about a guy whose talent needs more recognition. Crudup has always been a reliable supporting player, but in his lead roles in those art house flicks, this guy's the real deal. There's almost no chance of that happening, but when I thought of an actor who could both benefit and benefit from the role, he's the first guy that popped into my head. 2 - Matt Damon. He's got Scorsese experience, he's got Universal experience, he's currently the best bargain in Hollywood, he's a great leading man, and just think of how natural his ineraction with Ben Affleck's Dean Martin would be. I'm kidding about that last part. In any case, I think he fits better here than Depp, who is no doubt a tantalizing prospect for the studio but just doesn't seem to be a natural choice. One more point on Damon: He's actually the one and only choice I'd have to play tortured jazz great Chet Baker, but they'll never make that movie.

Comments

[Rick]

Depp seems a little to quirky to be Frank...

[YOUR NEIGHBOR]

Wow I never thought of Johnny Depp being a possibility....

It would seem very odd if he were to though doesnt seem his style and wouldnt be believable but I think he could pull it off it wouldnt be my 1st choice

Wow I FUCKING HOP LEO DOESNT !!!!! Leo just could not do it fuck that idea..

I was thinking Mel Gibson would be great!!!!

He is older now but he has that quality to me that can make Frank really shine