Martin Scorsese addresses retirement rumors after production on two of his films was halted. Scorsese is a legendary director who has directed films such as Taxi driver, Raging Bull, Nice Guys, Gone, The Wolf of Wall Streetand, at 81, recently directed one of the best films of his career in Killers of the Flower Moon. Soon after, Scorsese had two more films in development – Life of Jesus and a Frank Sinatra biopic, both of which were recently shelved, leading to speculation that Scorsese might retire.
Now, shortly after two of his planned films were shelved, the legendary director has denied rumors that he might retire. During a press conference at the Cinema Museum in Turin, Italy (via Hollywood Reporter), Scorsese denies rumors of retirementsaying that he has more films to make and hopes that he has the strength to continue working. Read his full response below:
I’m not saying goodbye to cinema at all. I still have a few more films to make and I hope God will give me the strength to make them.
The timing of their production remains unclear
Although Scorsese has denied rumors of retirement, it is reported that it is true that production on two of his upcoming films has stopped and, apparently, were postponed. This includes Life of Jesusbased on the book by Shusaku Endo, the same author as the source material for Scorsese’s 2016 film, Silence. The director reportedly wants to film parts of the film in Israel, which could pose logistical challenges due to the country’s ongoing war with Hamas. It’s unclear if this is the official reason, although production timing Life of Jesus remains uncertain.
Connected
Scorsese is also working on a biopic about Frank Sinatra. in which Leonardo DiCaprio will star alongside Jennifer Lawrence as Ava Gardner. The project has reportedly stalled because it requires the approval of the late singer’s daughter Tina, who manages her father’s estate. For context, Ava Gardner was instrumental in ending Sinatra’s marriage to Nancy Barbato, Tina’s mother. The project was scheduled to go into production in November, but that date was canceled and has not been rescheduled.
Our look at Martin Scorsese refuting retirement rumors
He remains dedicated to filmmaking
Martin Scorsese has vehemently denied that he plans to retire from filmmaking and has expressed his passion for film and his desire to continue making more films. The director’s statement is clear: despite his age, he remains deeply committed to filmmaking and has no plans to retire in the near future. His passion for film has fueled his career spanning over five decades and Martin ScorseseThe comments confirm that he remains committed to pursuing new projects despite any delays they may face.
Source: TPP