If you keep a close eye on the movie news cycle for a long enough time, there are certain projects that start to seem like old friends, popping up every now and again over the years with small updates, occasionally finally making their way to screens. The Crow reboot, Beetlejuice 2, and of course, the long-long-long in development remake of A Star Is Born. Based on the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, the film centers on an aging, self-destructive actor who helps an aspiring actress achieve her dreams of stardom.
But as of today, A Star is Born has officially made it out of development hell. Warner Bros. Has given the film the greenlight, starring Lady Gaga in her first feature film leading role opposite Bradley Cooper, who will also make his directorial debut on the film. Cooper will also produce alongside Todd Phillips under their Joint Effort Productions banner, along with producers Billy Gerber and Jon Peters.
Greg Silverman, President of Creative Development and Worldwide Production at Warner Bros. Said in the announcement,
“For those of us lucky enough to watch him work as an actor and producer, it has been clear that Bradley would make this transition to director. We are honored that he is doing it, here, at his home—Warner Bros.—and with Lady Gaga as a collaborator and co-star. The world is in for a treat as these great artists craft an all new vision of ‘A Star is Born.’”
Clint Eastwood was attached to a previous incarnation of the project for years with Beyonce in the role of the rising starlet. Eastwood courted a number of A-list actors for Cooper's role, including Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Tom Cruise. There have already been two remakes of the 1937 film. The 1954 version starring Judy Garland and James Mason was nominated for six Academy Awards, and earned Garland and Mason Golden Globes for best actress and actor. The second remake, released in 1976, starred Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson and was nominated for four Academy Awards, taking home the gold for best original song.
