Ever since Bradley Cooper surprised everyone with his directorial debut, “A Star Is Born,” which would go on to be nominated for eight Oscars (taking home one), fans have been wondering when we might see his next feature behind the camera. Well, Netflix has already secured the rights for Cooper’s upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic, titled “Maestro,” and it appears the actor-turned-filmmaker has found his next leading lady.
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According to Deadline, Cooper has cast Carey Mulligan to play Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, in the upcoming “Maestro.” As you might have guessed, Cooper himself is set to play the lead, the iconic songwriter, Leonard Berstein. The film is said to span decades of Bernstein’s life as he meets, falls in love, and eventually marries his future wife. Obviously, the love story is also told during the composer’s career, which includes writing the music for “West Side Story” and a number of other projects.
“I was struck by Carey ever since I saw her on stage many years ago and I haven’t missed a performance of hers since,” said Cooper. “I am humbled to be working with such a mammoth talent, as well as such a kind person in Carey.”
Carey Mulligan is easily one of the best actors working today. She’s appeared in quite a few major films including “Drive,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Inside Llewyn Davis,” “Shame,” and “An Education.” In addition to those roles, recently she’s done amazing work in “Wildlife” and the upcoming feature, “Promising Young Woman.”
There’s no official release date set for “Maestro,” but filming is expected to begin in spring 2021. Obviously, if Netflix has its way, the film will be ready to go for next year’s awards season, as many expect the feature to be an instant player in contention for trophies.