When Lady Gaga was cast in the 2018 remake of A Star Is Born, some fans were surprised. Gaga was one of the most famous singers on the planet and had proven herself as a vocalist, songwriter and performer. She had also established herself as a fashion icon. But they weren’t sure if she had what it took to star in a major motion picture.
Actually, though, Gaga’s acting career started all the way back when she was still a teenager and she was cast as an extra in The Sopranos. She was professionally trained as an actor and later flawlessly executed her role in American Horror Story, for which she won two Golden Globes.
In A Star Is Born, Gaga shined brightly as the female lead, both on-screen and on the soundtrack. But there was another famous singer who was also in talks to play the character of Ally.
Gaga Landed ‘A Star Is Born’
In 2018, Lady Gaga starred in the remake of A Star Is Born alongside Bradley Cooper, who also directed the film. Gaga played the role of Ally, a songwriter with low self-esteem who stumbles upon a chance meeting with the washed-up singer Jackson Maine.
Jackson sees Ally’s potential and gives her an opportunity that turns her into the star. As her star rises, the two fall in love. And sadly, Jackson’s star falls, and he gets sucked into a downward spiral of alcoholism and depression.
The earlier versions of A Star Is Born starred Kathleen Crowley, Judy Garland, and Barbara Streisand as the female leads. While Lady Gaga ended up being the perfect female lead for the 2018 version of the movie, she wasn’t always the only actress in talks to play Ally.
Beyoncé Was Originally Going To Star Instead Of Lady Gaga
Originally, Beyoncé, who had already accomplished several major career achievements at that point, was seriously considering taking on the project. In 2011, when Clint Eastwood was still attached to the project as director, Beyoncé confirmed that she was in:
“I didn’t think I would ever get the opportunity to be the star,” she said (via Gold Derby). “I met with Clint and I was so nervous, and I know that it is the biggest opportunity of my life.”
Why Beyoncé Left The Project
In January 2012, Beyoncé gave birth to her first child, Blue Ivy. In October of that year, she officially exited the project due to scheduling conflicts. At the time, A Star Is Born still had no star and no male lead.
In March 2015, Clint Eastwood had also left the project and Bradley Cooper signed on to direct the film and star in it. He intended to get Beyoncé back as the female lead, but according to Page Six, the Grammy-winning singer requested too much money.
Cooper revealed that he would be honored “to work with [Beyoncé] in any capacity.” However, he confirmed that she had not signed on for the project.
How Did Lady Gaga Come On Board?
It wasn’t until June 2016 that Lady Gaga was first considered for the role of Ally. She was officially announced as the new female lead to replace Beyoncé in August of that year.
Cooper first set sights on Gaga when she performed La Vie en Rose at a cancer benefit. Her character Ally also performs the song in A Star Is Born. Afterward, Cooper went back to Gaga’s house where the two shared leftover pasta and sang Midnight Special together.
In an interview with Howard Stern, Gaga revealed that she had to audition for the role of Ally before she was cast. She explained that she was more than happy to audition and liked the feeling of earning things rather than just being given them because of her fame.
Leonardo DiCaprio Was In Talks To Star
As it turns out, the male lead in A Star Is Born also could have looked very different. According to Fashion, Leonardo DiCaprio was in talks for the part of Jackson Maine.
At the time that Beyoncé was set to star as the female lead, Tom Cruise, Will Smith, Christian Bale, Russell Crowe, Eminem, Hugh Jackman, and Johnny Depp were all being considered as well.
Bradley Cooper Initially Turned The Role Down
Initially, Cooper turned down the role when Clint Eastwood was still attached to direct. He was 36 years old at the time and felt that he didn’t have enough life experience to play the part.
“I knew I would be acting my balls off to try to be what that character was, because I was just too—I just hadn’t lived enough, I just knew it,” Cooper said (via Gold Derby).
A few years later, the actor felt that he had amassed more life experience and was ready to play the role and direct the film.
