James Marsden Sets His Sights on the Sinatra Biopic We Didn’t Know We Needed
Move over Leonardo DiCaprio; we’ve got a hot new contender for the role of Frank Sinatra, and it’s none other than ‘Hairspray’ heartthrob James Marsden. In a recent chat, Marsden opened up about his dream to channel Ol’ Blue Eyes, saying he’s always been captivated by the myriad tales woven into Sinatra’s legendary yet tumultuous life. While there have been attempts to capture Sinatra on screen—like the 1992 miniseries ‘Sinatra’ or the rumored Martin Scorsese project with DiCaprio—Marsden feels no one has fully explored the depth of the man behind the music.
“I’ve always loved emulating some of the old crooners,” Marsden confessed, referencing icons like Bobby Darin and Dean Martin, who strutted their stuff alongside Sinatra in the famed Rat Pack. He emphasized that the stories of Sinatra’s life run the gamut from dark and tortured to uplifted moments of triumph. Whether it’s the close ties with President John F. Kennedy or the personal struggles he battled behind the facade of fame, there’s an expansive narrative waiting to be told.
Now, here’s the kicker—James (who can really belt it out) isn’t just interested in a run-of-the-mill biopic. He’s looking to recreate the magic seen in films like ‘Ray,’ where Jamie Foxx brought Ray Charles to life not just with acting chops but with his own vocal talent. Marsden recalls his joyful experience on the set of ‘Hairspray,’ where he likened it to a Broadway extravaganza and had a blast singing with a stellar ensemble that included the likes of John Travolta and Queen Latifah.
As the star of the new series ‘Paradise’, alongside Sterling K. Brown, he’s riding high on the success that comes with blending musical talent and acting prowess. And let’s face it, a James Marsden-led Sinatra biopic could give the world an electrifying new look at a legend, one that blends glamor, rawness, and artistry—much like the Rat Pack itself.
Remember, folks, if anyone can do Sinatra justice in today’s Hollywood, it might just be the charmingly versatile Marsden. Who wouldn’t want to see that suit jacket from the 50s look good on him?
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Entertainment Weekly, Variety, Rolling Stone
