Martin Scorsese opens up on whether he'd say 'goodbye to cinema', says 'I still have more films to make'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Martin Scorsese dispelled rumors about his retirement as he remains committed to his craft.

During an appearance in Turin, Italy, on October 7 to accept an award from the Museum of Cinema, the 81-year-old filmmaker addressed rumors that his career might be winding down, according to People.

Martin Scorsese says he has 'more films to make'

Speaking to reporters, Martin Scorsese assured, “I’m not saying goodbye to cinema at all."

“I still have more films to make, and I hope God gives me the strength to make them," he added.

Scorsese’s comments came just two weeks after Variety reported on September 24 that he had postponed two upcoming films, a Frank Sinatra biopic and a project about Jesus Christ, which had initially been slated to begin filming back-to-back in 2024.

Despite these delays, the 'Goodfellas' director made it clear that he is still actively working on new projects.

Martin Scorsese's postponed projects

Scorsese's delayed Sinatra biopic had generated considerable buzz, especially with rumors circulating that Leonardo DiCaprio was set to portray the legendary singer, while Jennifer Lawrence was rumored to play Ava Gardner, Sinatra's second wife.

However, plans for the film, which was once expected to begin filming in November, have been shelved indefinitely, according to Variety.

The second film, 'The Life of Jesus', remains in development, though there is no current timeline for when the production will move forward.

Scorsese has previously spoken about his deep personal interest in religious themes, making this project particularly significant for the filmmaker.

As for when or if he will return to his 'The Life of Jesus' or 'Sinatra' biopic remains unclear.

In April, Variety reported that Sinatra’s daughter Tina, 75, holds control over Frank Sinatra's estate and as of September, it was still unclear whether the 'Sinatra' film had received approval from the estate.

In 2021, it was reported that he would direct a biopic about the Grateful Dead, with Jonah Hill attached to play the band's frontman Jerry Garcia.

However, that film has not yet come to fruition either.

A shift to marine archaeology

While fans may be disappointed by the delay of Martin Scorsese's biopics, the director is already engaged in a new project.

Speaking at the event in Turin, he revealed that he is currently working on a documentary about marine archaeology.

The film, a co-production with Italy's Sicilian region, explores underwater archaeologist Lisa Briggs' project 'Shipwreck of Sicily', which analyzes DNA found on items from ancient shipwrecks.

The documentary is currently being filmed across Italy.