After garnering 10 Oscar nominations for last year's historical crime epic Killers of the Flower Moon, the 81-year-old director Martin Scorsese has charted his next several projects. Sources reveal he plans to shoot two films in succession: one centred on the life of Jesus and the other a biopic about Frank Sinatra.
The Oscar-winning filmmaker, who played a key role in the Hollywood New Wave of the 1970s, is aiming to circumvent the studio system and independently fund Life of Jesus, based on Shūsaku Endō's 1973 novel. This approach mirrors his 2016 film Silence (also adapted from an Endō novel).
Scorsese aims to reteam with Silence star Andrew Garfield for the Jesus project, though it's unclear whether the 40-year-old actor will portray Jesus or one of the disciples. Scholars estimate that Jesus died between the ages of 33 and 38.
Miles Teller is also in consideration for the project, with production expected to begin later this year and filming planned in Israel, Italy, and Egypt. Filming in Israel could pose logistical challenges due to ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Sinatra project may face its own obstacles: the legendary crooner's daughter, Tina Sinatra, controls her father's estate and hasn't yet approved the film. Despite this, Scorsese is assembling a star-studded cast, including frequent collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio as the singer and Jennifer Lawrence as his second wife, actress Ava Gardner, sources say.
Gardner is known for her role in ending Sinatra's marriage to Nancy Barbato, Tina's mother. With two major movie stars in the lead roles, the film is drawing interest from major studios and streaming platforms. Apple, which financed the £172 million Flower Moon, is eager to continue its partnership with Scorsese, though Sony is reportedly the front-runner to secure the project.
Also in the pipeline is a collaboration between Scorsese and Steven Spielberg on a Cape Fear television series for Apple TV+. The two icons will executive produce the project, which is based on the 1991 and 1962 Universal films.
Scorsese isn't the only veteran director making ambitious moves. This year's Cannes competition lineup features three of his peers: 85-year-old Francis Ford Coppola (Megalopolis), 81-year-old David Cronenberg (The Shrouds), and 77-year-old Paul Schrader (Oh, Canada).
Directors Martin Scorsese (L) and Steven Spielberg attend the 12th Annual AFI Awards held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills (Photo credit: Getty Images)
Their productive later years are noteworthy, as Hollywood hasn't always been accommodating to ageing auteurs—Billy Wilder, for instance, struggled to get a movie made in his final two decades.
“I’m sure most artists want to keep working, but sometimes you’re not fortunate enough, lucky enough, good enough to stay in the arena,” says Schrader, who wrote the screenplay for Scorsese’s seminal 1976 film Taxi Driver. “
At 86, Ridley Scott is also keeping active in the industry. Footage from his long-awaited return to the Colosseum for the Gladiator sequel emerged as a highlight at CinemaCon, where Paramount showcased epic scenes to theatre executives, making headlines out of Las Vegas.
“We wanted to make sure you were the first to see this footage—and to give you the very first look, what we’re showing you today is unfinished, but an inspiring piece,” Paramount CEO Brian Robbins told the crowd at the April 11 presentation.
A scene from The Thursday Murder Club, where four retirees turn amateur detectives in a quiet British village shaken by a real murderInstagram/NetflixUK
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Stills from Andaz Apna Apna
Vinay Kumar Sinha
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.