Netflix is keeping its proverbial foot on the prestige pedal. According to Deadline, the streaming service has nabbed the rights to the untitled Leonard Bernstein movie that Bradley Cooper will direct, produce and star in. Cooper also co-wrote the screenplay with the Oscar-winning Spotlight scribe Josh Singer.
The project was previously in development over at Paramount, where it had been a priority. Moving forward, the studio will no longer be involved. However, Steven Spielberg’s Amblin is still committed to telling the “beautifully complex” story of Bernstein and his marriage to Chilean-born actress Felicia Montealegre.
In addition to Cooper, the film boasts a stacked backing of top producers, including the aforementioned Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and Joker Director Todd Phillips.
Scorsese was several years ago set to direct the Bernstein film, but stepped aside to pursue Oscar darling The Irishman. Meanwhile, Spielberg just wrapped principal photography on a West Side Story remake, which utilizes Bernstein’s iconic music.
Cooper’s directorial follow-up to A Star Is Born is slated to go into production early next year. Netflix is expected to give it a limited theatrical release prior to its debut on the streaming service.
What do you make of this news? Do you think Bradley Cooper is a good fit for this project? Do you have faith in his co-producers? Sound off in the comments below and let me know how this story hits you!
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