bradley cooper - H 2015
AP Images/InvisionA director is born.
Bradley Cooper is in talks to make his directorial debut with Warner Bros.’ long-gestating remake of the musical A Star Is Born. The film, based on the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, centers on a movie star who helps an aspiring young actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.
Cooper also will produce, along with Jon Peters, Bill Gerber and Basil Iwanyk.
Warner Bros. has been working on a remake of A Star Is Born for years. Cooper’s American Sniper director, Clint Eastwood, has been attached to the project since 2011. At one time, Beyonce was attached to star, but things stalled when she got pregnant and Eastwood moved on to Jersey Boys.
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There already have been two remakes of the 1937 film, which was directed by William A. Wellman and garnered eight Academy Award nominations. The first remake came out in 1954 and starred Judy Garland and James Mason. It was nominated for a slew of awards, and Garland and Mason won best actress and actor Golden Globes for their work. The second remake, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson, was directed by Frank Pierson. It won five Golden Globe Awards including best motion picture – musical/comedy, as well as the Academy Award for best original song for “Evergreen.”
Cooper has been building up a strong relationship with Warner Bros., and sources say he’s been considering several projects to direct. His production company with Todd Phillips has a first-look deal with the studio. He starred in last year’s breakout hit American Sniper, which became the top-grossing U.S movie of the year, earning $528.2 million worldwide.
Cooper’s upcoming films include David O. Russell’s Joy, John Wells’ Adam Jones and Cameron Crowe’s Aloha. He’s also producing Phillips’ next directorial project, Arms and the Dudes (now in production), and several other projects in development, including Orphan X, at Warner Bros. He’s repped by CAA.
