LEONARDO DiCaprio is in line for a major new role, but there are hurdles in his way.
The Oscar-winning actor is pegged to play Frank Sinatra in an upcoming biopic.
The film is set to be directed by Martin Scorsese, 81, who created hit movies such as Taxi Driver and The Irishman.
Padding out the very talented team, Jennifer Lawrence, 33, is reported to also be in line for a role.
The Hunger Games alum is tipped to play Sinatra’s second wife, Ava Gardener.
However, Leo, 49, Jennifer, and Martin may have a struggle before the project gets off the ground.
Sinatra’s family has shared their reluctance to see a biopic based on the iconic Rat Pack vocalist.
Back in 2016, Martin opened up about Sinatra’s estate throwing a wrench in the works.
“We can’t do it! I think it is finally over. They [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,” the director said, via Yahoo.
“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 added, referring to his wishes to show Sinatra’s darker side alongside his brighter moments.
POWER DUO
While their current project is in a turbulent stage, Leo and Martin have a shared history of success.
The duo has worked on plenty of films together, spanning from Leo’s early days in the industry.
Leo and Martin first collaborated in 2002, in the hit film Gangs of New York.
After several other movies, they reunited last year for Killers of the Flower Moon, which received an incredible 10 Academy Award nominations.
Leo hasn’t been shy about his admiration for Martin, and spoke fondly of him while talking about their work in The Wolf of Wall Street.
“I am almost about to turn 40, and I am looking back at some of the stuff I’ve gotten to do, and at the center of it is this amazing accidental collaboration that I’ve gotten to have with Marty,” the actor shared to Indiewire.
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.
Martin Scorsese
GROWING TOGETHER
Alongside Leo’s words about Martin, the influential director has opened up about why he continuously collaborates with the younger actor.
In a clip posted on YouTube, he spoke about Leo and his other frequent collaborator, Robert De Niro, 80, while promoting Killers of the Flower Moon.
He reminisced, “Years go by and I’m presented with Leo with Gangs of New York, and we worked together in Gangs… and he wanted to explore the same territory…
“We developed more of a relationship when we did The Aviator. And there was a kind of – towards the end of it – there was a kind of, something happening, a maturity with him. I’m not quite sure, but we really clicked.”
