Afteryearsof stops and starts with different filmmaker and star combos, Warner Bros.’ remake ofA Star Is Bornhas finally started production. Back in 2011, WB favoriteClint Eastwoodwas attached to direct withBeyoncestarring, but they had trouble nailing down a male lead asLeonardo DiCaprio,Christian Bale, andTom Cruisepassed in favor of other projects. Then Beyonce’s pregnancy put her involvement into doubt, and eventually Eastwood himself moved on. But the project gained new momentum in 2015 whenBradley Coopernot only signed on to star, but to make his directorial debut on the film, and he swiftly landedLady Gagaas his leading lady.
Filming has begun with Cooper and Gaga (real nameStefanie Germanotta) as well as supporting cast membersAndrew Dice ClayandSam Elliott, with Gaga composing and performing original songs in the film. The official synopsis is as follows:
Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a country music star who is on the brink of decline when he discovers a talented unknown named Ally (Germanotta). As the two begin a passionate love affair, Jack coaxes Ally into the spotlight, catapulting her to stardom. But as Ally’s career quickly eclipses his own, Jack finds it increasingly hard to handle his fading glory.
A Star Is Bornwas first made in 1937 withJanet GaynorandFredric March, revolving around an aging, self-destructive actor who helps an aspiring actress reach her dreams of stardom. Then came a 1954 remake withJudy Garlandand a 1976 remake starringKris KristoffersonandBarbra Streisand, both of which switched the profession from acting to singer-songwriter.
The country music genre focus is a tad surprising, and it’ll certainly be interesting to hear what kind of tracks Gaga writes for the film.Matty Libatique(Black Swan,Iron Man) is serving as cinematographer for Cooper’s directorial debut, and they’re going to be shooting some scenes at Coachella to capture performances pieces, which should fit in quite nicely. Cooper is producing the film alongsideBill Gerber,Jon Peters,Todd Phillips, andLynette Howell Taylor. Cooper also co-wrote the script withEric Roth(Forrest Gump,The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) andWill Fetters(The Best of Me) based on a story byWilliam A. WellmanandRobert Carson.
Take a look at the debut image below. Production will take place entirely in Southern California andA Star Is Bornwill hit theaters on August 24, 2025.
