This week, Variety revealed Lady Gaga is in talks to star in Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born remake.
Gaga will likely play the role of Esther Blodgett (a.k.a. Vicki Lester). Beyoncé had been attached to play the part for years. The film marks Cooper’s directorial debut. He will also star in it and produce it via his company, 22 Green.
Cooper reportedly met dozens of actresses to fill the role, after Beyoncé bowed out due to scheduling conflicts with her Formation tour. Sources say Gaga was on Cooper’s wish list, but she was unsure about the part.
The film is a remake of William Wellman’s 1937 hit, which starred Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson starred in a second remake of the movie, which tells the story of a fading movie star who helps an aspiring actress while his own career spirals downward.
Clint Eastwood was originally supposed to direct, but after exiting the project, he suggested Cooper direct it. They worked together on surprise hit American Sniper. Gaga recently starred in American Horror Story: Hotel, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress In A Miniseries. She also earned an Oscar nomination for song “Til It Happens To You” from the documentary The Hunting Ground.