James Marsden harbors a deep desire to portray Frank Sinatra in a captivating biographical film. In an interview with the New York Post this week, Marsden revealed, I've nurtured a deep-seated affection for emulating vintage crooners akin to Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra, and Dean Martin. My mind has often wandered, envisioning the countless captivating sagas from Sinatra's life that could spring vividly to life on the silver screen. Intriguingly, despite his legendary status, a holistic cinematic chronicle encapsulating his life remains elusive, much to our collective astonishment.
Admittedly, Sinatra has been portrayed before—Ray Liotta in the 1998 TV movie The Rat Pack, James Russo in Stealing Sinatra (a 2003 TV film depicting the 1963 kidnapping of Sinatra's renowned son), Dennis Hopper in The Night We Call It a Day (2003, chronicling Sinatra's 1963 Australian tour), and Robert Knepper in My Way (2012, focusing on French singer Claude François’s life). However, Marsden holds a valid point; a blockbuster Sinatra biopic akin to the recent, acclaimed films on Johnny Cash (Walk the Line), Ray Charles (Ray), Elvis Presley (Elvis), Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody), and Bob Dylan (A Complete Unknown) remains uncharted territory.
Marsden enthused, "Embarking on a biopic akin to Jamie Foxx's portrayal of Ray Charles would be incredibly enjoyable. I'd jump at the chance. Plus, you get to utilize your own vocal talents." He previously showcased his singing prowess in Enchanted (2007) and Hairspray (2007). Recalling Hairspray, Marsden said, "It felt like performing in a Broadway show for months. It was exhilarating...a joyous escapade."
The Paradise actor further elaborated, "I believe Sinatra's life is brimming with untold stories—some tormented and darker, others uplifting. His accomplishments, his journey. I haven't ventured into portraying a real-life figure in a biopic yet, and I'm eager to explore this realm with Sinatra."
