Deadline has posted that Netflix has acquired rights to Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper’s (A Star Is Born, American Sniper, ) untitled Leonard Bernstein film that Cooper is set to star in, direct, and produce. Cooper co-wrote the screenplay alongside Oscar-winner Josh Singer (Spotlight).
The currently untitled drama will span over 30 years in telling the complex story of the marriage between Bernstein and his wife, Felicia Montealegre. Bernstein’s colorful life included making a memorable conducting debut at the New York Philharmonic at 25 when the conductor took ill.
Cooper’s main focus on the project has always been the “charged and complex relationship” between Bernstein and Montealegre. The star and filmmaker has reportedly been working closely with Bernstein’s children Jamie, Alexander, and Nina, over the past couple of years.
“Bradley’s directorial debut was nothing short of brilliant and he quickly cemented himself as a serious filmmaker,” said Netflix Head of Film Scott Stuber. “His strong passion and clear vision for bringing to life the relationship between the iconic composer Leonard Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre promises to do their lives justice as only this renowned filmmaking team can. We are honored to be working with the Bernsteins to share their family’s story with audiences everywhere.”
Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Cooper and his Joint Effort producing partner Todd Phillips (Joker), Kristie Macosko Krieger, Oscar-nominated producer Emma Tilliinger Koskoff (The Irishman, Joker), and Fred Berner and Amy Durning will produce.
Paramount is no longer involved with the film. Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment is still attached. Production on the drama is expected to begin early next year.
The streamer will give the film a significant theatrical release before it moves exclusively to Netflix.
