Bradley Cooper Career Retrospective

Bradley Cooper spilled the beans during an interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, revealing the quirky circumstances behind how he ended up directing the 2018 hit movie, A Star is Born.

Fresh from the success of American Sniper in 2014, where Cooper not only starred but also produced, he approached film producer Greg Silverman with the idea for A Star is Born. Silverman’s condition? “If you can make it for under $25 million and you can get Beyoncé, I’ll do it,” he said.

Cooper seized the opportunity and found himself at Beyoncé’s house for a pivotal meeting. However, what he encountered was unexpected—Jay-Z casually watching Judge Judy. Cooper recalled the surreal moment, saying, “I went to Beyoncé’s house and Jay-Z was watching Judge Judy, I still remember. I’m not kidding. And I was freaking [out].” Despite the unusual start, both Beyoncé and Jay-Z were impressive collaborators, and they worked on the project together for about a year. Unfortunately, Beyoncé’s involvement eventually fell through.

Initially, Beyoncé was slated to play the lead role of Esther Blodgett, but she had to bow out due to her pregnancy. Clint Eastwood, originally set to direct, approached Cooper to take the lead role. However, after Eastwood’s departure, Cooper stepped up as director and producer.

Following Beyoncé’s departure, Cooper attempted to recruit Adele for the lead role before ultimately casting Lady Gaga.

The film received widespread acclaim and scored eight nominations at the 2019 Oscars, clinching the coveted Academy Award for Best Original Song with “Shallow.”