Rumours linking lady gaga with the next James Bond film seem destined to prove unfounded, according to sources in the film industry this week. The outspoken American singer / songwriter had been touted as one of the favourites to sing the prestigious title track on the 25th outing for the superspy. However, her current workload seems to preclude that possibility this time around.
Committed to new musical
Instead, the 31-year-old superstar – real name Stefani Germanotta – has committed herself to a re-make of the musical A Star Is Born, following in the footsteps of such Hollywood luminaries as Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand.
Indeed, it will be her real name that appears on the film’s credits, perhaps highlighting her commitment to her part.
Stars alongside Bradley Cooper
Warner Bros. Pictures’ re-make of the tempestuous and tragic romantic drama features the “Bad Romance” singer alongside Bradley Cooper. Gaga will portray a talented but unknown singer called Ally in the upcoming musical, as Cooper plays Jackson Maine, an alcoholic country star. The strong supporting cast is expected to include Ray Liotta (Goodfellas), Sam Elliott (Ghost Rider) and Andrew Dice Clay, who is in negotiations to play the role of Lorenzo, the father of Gaga’s character in the film.
Filming is currently underway for the challenging musical, with images capturing a brunette Lady Gaga and Cooper smooching in the hot Californian desert appearing in the media recently.
Clint Eastwood and Beyonce Knowles had previously been linked with the project in 2011, however Knowles’ pregnancy prevented that link-up coming to fruition.
Gaga to sing live
It is expected that Gaga will sing live on set – including a few tracks she penned herself - judging by comments made by A Star Is Born’s sound mixer Steve Morrow earlier this year.
Back in February, Morrow divulged to the Next Best Picture Podcast that Gaga said “I don't want it to feel like I'm singing to a playback track because it doesn't feel right to me. I want to sing live, I want the band to be live.”
Gaga was among a number of leading musical talents believed to be in the running to perform the next Bond theme tune, including such diverse talents as Adele and even Dame Shirley Bassey.
Her love of the movies, links to MGM Studios (long-term distributers of the Bond films) and of course her global fame, made her a strong candidate.
Fans can expect to wait until September 2018 until A Star Is Born is scheduled to be released in US theatres, with the film marking the directorial debut for the 42-year-old Cooper.
