Deadline reports that Warner Bros. has officially green-lit Bradley Cooper‘s directorial debut, A Star Is Born. He and Lady Gaga are set to star with production begins in California early next year. Cooper, who is directing, has teamed up on writing the script with Will Fetters. Cooper will produce the film with Joint Efforts partner Todd Phillips along with Billy Gerber and Jon Peters. Basil Iwanyk is executive producer.
This will be Gaga’s first major studio star role as an unknown talent who enlists the help of an actor (Cooper). Her fame begins to rise under his guidance, but unfortunately, Gaga’s mentor’s career is suffering and begins to unravel. Gaga will also compose and perform new music for the film.
Cooper’s directorial debut has been on the slate at Warner Bros. since Cooper worked with Clint Eastwood and the studio on American Sniper. Their relationship has grown and will now move forward on the project. Deadline previously reported first and revealed Gaga was Cooper’s choice after a deal couldn’t be made with Beyoncé. Gaga’s reputation as an award winning Grammy artist helps when being considered for a role like this. But her work on FX’s American Horror Story: Hotel garnered much acclaim and she was also nominated for an Oscar for her work on the song “Til It Happens To You” from the documentary The Hunting Ground. The studio believes Gaga is ready to take the next step in her acting career, as well as Cooper in furthering his behind the camera.
Warner Bros. president of Creative Development and WW Production Greg Silverman closed all the deals and is excited to work with both artists saying, “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.” He continued, “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.”