Esperanza Spalding to Replace Beyonce as Esther in 'A Star is Born'?
With Beyonce Knowles dropping out of the remake of "A Star Is Born," studio insiders tell Variety that Clint Eastwood is interested in jazz musician Esperanza Spalding to play the female lead.
Spalding, 27, is an American multi-instrumentalist best known as a jazz bassist and singer, who draws upon many genres in her own compositions. She was nominated for the 2012 National Council of La Raza ALMA Award® in the category of Best Female Music Artist.
But Spalding or any other female actress will get a call from Eastwood anytime soon because sources also say that the director will not decide on who will assume the role of Esther until a male lead is confirmed.
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So far, Eastwood has been turned down by several picks for the male lead, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Christian Bale and Johnny Depp. Back in August, Bradley Cooper seemed like a likely candidate but some reports said he has yet to receive an offer. It is still possible for Cooper to hop on the project but he is currently filming "The Hangover III."
"A Star is Born" originally came out in the 1930s. Eastwood's version would be the third remake. The story is about a young rising female star who falls in love with an alcoholic fading out of the music business.
Eastwood is working alongside producers Jon Peters, Bill Gerber, Basil Iwanyk and Robert Lorenz. Screenwriting was done by Will Fetters.
