Martin Scorsese is Taking Deadpool & Wolverine’s “Till he’s 90” Dialogue Way Too Literally, Retirement Update Proves

In the film industry, it is often seen that age is nothing but a number. Currently, many filmmakers and actors keep on coming up with great work in their golden years. From Clint Eastwood directing at 93 to Judi Dench acting at 89, there is no retirement age on the silver screen. 

Martin Scorsese, the man behind films like Goodfellas and Taxi Driver, is not an exception to this rule either. His recent film Killers of the Flower Moon has enjoyed both critical success and the viewers’ approval, and the director is still going strong.

Martin Scorsese On His Retirement

Martin Scorsese’s filmography can be studied as the history of modern cinema. It has been over five decades of his career in Hollywood, from his first movie Who’s That Knocking at My Door in 1967 to his latest Killers of the Flower Moon in 2023. His films have collected him many accolades, including an Oscar for Best Director for The Departed in 2007. 

But Scorsese is not satisfied with the success he has had till now. During a press conference in Italy recently, he talked about his upcoming projects and also dismissed the rumors about his planned retirement. He said (via Film Stories),

I have no intention of retiring. The film about Frank Sinatra is only postponed while the one about Jesus I am working on. I hope God gives me the strength and money to finish them.

The statement comes as both of these projects were reported to have been on hold. Scorsese’s Jesus film is alleged to be an independent production. It is believed that Andrew Garfield has signed up to star in the movie. Moreover, Apple, Sony, and other major studios have been interested in the Sinatra biopic.

Throughout his career, Scorsese has wondered how his movies would look when he grows older. In his own words (via GQ):

I always wondered, would it develop into anything if I got older? If I became old. Would it develop into anything? Would it be making the same movie? And if making the same movie, is that bad?

His recent work indicates that he is still able to discover new ways of storytelling. It reminds of the recent movie Deadpool & Wolverine, where Ryan Reynolds breaks the 4th wall and says the studios will keep bringing Hugh Jackman as Wolverine “till he is 90.”

It was a funny take considering Jackman, who is now 55, has played the character for more than two decades.

Martin Scorsese’s Views On Cinema’s Future

While Scorsese remains committed to his craft, he voices some problems concerning the future of cinema. The director appeared on BBC’s Talking Movies show and was asked about the state of the movies today. Referring to blockbuster franchises, he said,

They’re not for me. As I get older I’m trying to figure out where the hell to spend my time. I can’t do it with them.

The director’s view is not far from his statement to Empire magazine when he called Marvel movies “theme parks” rather than cinema. But Scorsese still has not lost hope. Speaking with Deadline, he noted that young, upcoming people have easier access to filmmaking tools today than ever in the past. He further said,

At the moment, there’s a very heavy emphasis on the business, the box office, the technology, the “impact,” and so on. But that doesn’t really have anything to do with the actual creation of cinema. I suppose that it will be a little lonelier than it was, quite a bit tougher for a while. But the cinema will survive.

The director believes that the real art of filmmaking comes from independent films, which will get more attention in the future. As Scorsese is turning 82 soon, it would be interesting to see whether he will continue making films till he is 90.

Deadpool & Wolverine is available to buy or rent on Prime Video and Apple TV+.