A new version of A Star Is Born is finally, officially on its way. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga will star; Cooper will make his directorial debut. Production is scheduled to begin early next year, according to Deadline.
This will be the fourth big-screen version of the story, which follows a woman on the rise to stardom who falls in love with an actor on his way down. The original 1937 version, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, established the tragic trajectory of a doomed romance set in Hollywood, supposedly drawing inspiration from several different real-life relationships. The movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two.
In 1954, the first remake featured Judy Garland as an aspiring singer and James Mason as a fading, former star actor in Hollywood. It received six Academy Award nominations, though it didn't win any. The second remake in 1976 starred Barbra Streisand in the role of an aspiring singer, opposite Kris Kristofferson as an established rock star on his way down. It earned four Academy Award nominations and won one for Best Song.
The latest edition has been in development for years, which is not unusual in modern Hollywood. Back in August 2011, Clint Eastwood was ready to direct and Beyonce was set for a lead role when the singer announced she was pregnant. No leading man had been determined at that point though Christian Bale and Tom Cruise were among the many were rumored. By October 2012, Beyonce had dropped out and the project was placed on the back burner.
Bradley Cooper came on board as star and director in March 2015, fresh off his success in Eastwood's American Sniper (above). Beyonce considered rejoining the project but ultimately decided against it, opening the role up for Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga displayed her dramatic abilities in TV's American Horror Story, winning a Golden Globe for her efforts. She will also compose and perform new music for the movie.
It's likely that no singing will be involved for Cooper, who is making revisions to Will Fetters' screenplay. Still, we're looking forward to seeing what he brings to the story as both actor and director. No release date has been announced yet.
