Barbra Streisand, who starred in a remake of A Star Is Born in 1976, initially gave her seal of approval to the iteration of the Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper film in 2018. However, it seems the icon would have preferred see a whole different take on the classic movie.
During an appearance on an Australian talk show called The Sunday Project, Streisand shared some candid opinions on the successful remake. Importantly, she revealed that she wishes the story of the film was more different from the version she starred in.
How was a movie that had been shot three times before 2018 supposed to be different? Apparently Streisand thinks some changed casting decisions would have shaken things up a bit.
“At first when I heard it was going to be done again, it was supposed to be Will Smith and Beyonce, and I thought it was interesting,” she said. “Make it really different, a different kind of music, built-in actors. I thought that was a great idea. So, I was surprised when I saw how much it sounded like the version I did. made in 1976. “
Streisand acknowledged the overwhelming commercial and critical success of the film, but added that she “thought it was a bad idea.”
While her opinion is likely polarizing, Streisand is right about the casting considerations. At one point, Beyonce and Will Smith were both linked to the project. According to a handy timeline created by Vulture, the Lemonade singer was first associated with the remake in early 2010. At the time, it was rumored that she would appear alongside Will Smith. Other hopes at the time for the female lead included Alicia Keys and Rihanna.
Beyonce and Smith would still be in contention the following year. Then came a small upheaval: Clint Eastwood entered the running as director of the film. Afterwards, according to Bill Gerber, producer of A Star Is Born, Beyonce’s pregnancy turned plans upside down.
“I’m sitting there thinking, ‘I’m watching something historic about to happen,’ and then it doesn’t. It’s just the movie business, ”Eastwood told The Hollywood Reporter of the almost iconic cast that unfortunately didn’t work out.
Despite the casting changes, A Star Is Born has achieved some incredible numbers. According to People, it grossed $ 436 million worldwide and won Gaga her first Oscar. Her song “Shallow” won in the Best Original Song category. The hit-maker was also in the shortlist for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Gaga’s acting work continues. Next up is a starring role alongside Adam Driver in House of Gucci. The first trailer for the film debuted last month and is slated for release in November.
