First Look: Introducing Stefani Germonatta, Filming Begins for ‘A Star is Born’

Filming began today for A Star is Born starring Bradley Cooper and Stefani Germonatta.

The oddly-worded press release reads:

Filming begins today on Warner Bros. Pictures’ reimagining of the musical “A Star is Born,” starring Bradley Cooper and introducing Stefani Germanotta, known across the globe as Oscar-nominated music superstar Lady Gaga, in her first leading role in a major motion picture. Four-time Oscar nominee Bradley Cooper (“American Sniper,” “American Hustle,” “Silver Linings Playbook”) is helming the film, marking his directorial debut.

Cooper plays Jackson Maine, a country music star who is on the brink of decline when he discovers a talented unknown named Ally (Germanotta). As the two begin a passionate love affair, Jack coaxes Ally into the spotlight, catapulting her to stardom. But as Ally’s career quickly eclipses his own, Jack finds it increasingly hard to handle his fading glory.

Credited using her birth name Stefani Germonatta, Lady Gaga shared a first look at filming on her Instagram:

I am so excited to star in my first movie alongside someone I'm so lucky to call my friend. I always wanted to be an actress on the big screen. The story of "A Star is Born" is so special and I'm so grateful to Bradley for making my dream come true. Can't wait for you to meet Ally. She has her first scene in 5….⏰

A post shared by xoxo, Gaga (@ladygaga) on Apr 17, 2017 at 8:29am PDT

She wrote: “I am so excited to star in my first movie alongside someone I’m so lucky to call my friend. I always wanted to be an actress on the big screen. The story of “A Star is Born” is so special and I’m so grateful to Bradley for making my dream come true. Can’t wait for you to meet Ally. She has her first scene in 5….”

This is the fourth American remake of A Star is Born. The original was released in 1937 starring Janet Gaynor as an aspiring Hollywood actress, and Fredric March as a fading movie star who helps launch her career. In 1954, it was remade with Judy Garland and James Mason and then again remade in 1976 with Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson.

Warner Bros. has had plans to finance another remake for some time, with Clint Eastwood originally directing the film and Beyoncé Knowles “in negotiations” to play the female lead. In 2015, it was announced that Cooper would star, direct and co-produce. In August, 2016, Lady Gaga or Stefani Germonatta was announced to star.

This is her first major film role. The film is expected to be released on September 28, 2018.