Nikki Finke’s Deadline Hollywood unleashed a wave of Internet speculation about the casting of Martin Scorsese’s upcoming Frank Sinatra biopic by reporting that Universal wants to see Johnny Depp as Ol’ Blue Eyes. Scorsese is reported to favor his perennial leading man Leonardo DiCaprio (not exactly a surprise), who starred in Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, and the yet-to-be-released Shutter Island. “I hear Universal’s first choice to fill the role may be Johnny Depp,” writes industry insider Finke. “The studio is thrilled with his performance in this summer’s forthcoming Public Enemies and very much wants to stay in the Johnny Depp business.”

Whoever is chosen won’t need to sing like “The Voice”–original Sinatra recordings will be used in the film, says Finke, “thanks to a deal with Frank Sinatra Enterprises.” Sounds like one sweet deal and a fascinating, complex role. Of course the choice rests with Scorsese–he’ll do it his way.

The Zone thanks Sleepy and FANtasticJD for sharing the news; you can read more on the News & Views forum. –Part-Time Poet