Every day, a remake is born.
OK, so that’s not how the saying goes, but it’s fairly accurate in modern-day Hollywood. That said, the 1937 classic A Star Is Born will soon be remade for the third time, and the filmmakers have secured a high-profile lead actress.
Lady Gaga has signed on to star opposite Bradley Cooper in the latest version of A Star Is Born after Warner Bros. execs fell in love with the pair’s chemistry during a screen test, reports Deadline. The film, which will also mark Cooper’s directorial debut, has been green-lit and will begin production in early 2017.
For the uninitiated, the original is the story of a jaded Hollywood has-been who meets a naive Hollywood starlet and overcomes his personal foibles to help her achieve her dreams. Apparently, this film will look to stick pretty close to that formula, and Lady Gaga’s old Hollywood-style glam may well be the right choice for a production looking to stir up some classic Tinseltown nostalgia.
This film has had a pretty wacky history, with Clint Eastwood once attached as a director and Beyonce set to star. Early this year, however, Queen Bey exited stage to the left, to the left, paving the way for Lady Gaga to step into the vacant role.
“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,” said Greg Silverman, Warner Bros. president of creative development and worldwide production, according to Deadline. “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.”
Updated 8-17-16 by Stephanie Topacio Long: This post has been updated with confirmation of Lady Gaga’s casting.