By Peter Martin
When the fourth version of A Star Is Born was confirmed in August 2016, we speculated that Bradley Cooper’s role in the movie would “not involve any singing.” How wrong we were!
The first person we see in the first trailer for the film is Cooper, singing in front of a large crowd. He stars as Jackson Maine, a seasoned musician whose career is gradually declining, in large part due to his own internal demons. Then he meets Ally (Lady Gaga), a struggling singer and songwriter. Soon thereafter, a star is born.
Advance reactions have been very positive. Watch the first trailer below and then catch up on all we know about the upcoming musical drama.
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First, what were the previous versions?
The original version in 1937, starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, established the tragic trajectory of a doomed romance set in Hollywood, supposedly drawing inspiration from several different real-life relationships. The movie was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won two.
In 1954, the first remake featured Judy Garland as an aspiring singer and James Mason as a fading, former star actor in Hollywood. It received six Academy Award nominations, though it didn’t win any. The second remake in 1976 starred Barbra Streisand in the role of an aspiring singer, opposite Kris Kristofferson as an established rock star on his way down. It earned four Academy Award nominations and won one for best song.
What makes this new version markedly different?
All the music is original and was recorded live. Lady Gaga performs original songs in the film, which she wrote with Cooper and other artists.
How did this new version develop?
As often happens, the film has been in development for years. Back in 2011, it looked like Beyonce might star and Clint Eastwood might direct, but that didn’t work out. Bradley Cooper came on board as both director and star in March 2015, giving the project the momentum it needed to become a “go” production.
Who else is starring?
Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle and Sam Elliott.
When can we see it?
Warner Bros. will open A Star Is Born in theaters on October 5, 2018.
