Bradley Cooper cast in ‘Bernstein’ biopic from Scorsese, Spielberg

Bradley Cooper. Image: AFP/Oli Scarff via AFP Relaxnews

Jake Gyllenhaal is not the only film star preparing to play celebrated composer Leonard Bernstein, with Bradley Cooper also accepting a role in “Bernstein”.

With Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese on board as producers, biographical film “Bernstein” has been announced with Bradley Cooper playing legendary 20th century composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Cooper is also scheduled to helm, having set up his directorial debut with October 2018’s music business drama “A Star Is Born”, in which he stars opposite Lady Gaga.

Little else is known about the project, whose script was written by Josh Sawyer of “The West Wing”, “Fringe”, “Spotlight” and “The Post”.

The move demonstrates the high level of confidence in Cooper and “A Star Is Born”, given that both Scorsese and Spielberg had been linked with the director’s chair.

A separate film, “The American”, was announced on May 7. Based on a biography written by Humphrey Burton, it has Cary Fukunaga of “True Detective” directing and Jake Gyllenhaal as Bernstein.

Leonard Bernstein, a conductor and director of the New York Philharmonic orchestra, is perhaps most well-known for his role in creating the “West Side Story” musical as well as “On the Waterfront” and numerous others. JB

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