Netflix has acquired the worldwide rights to the Leonard Bernstein film that Bradley Cooper is set to direct, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
The untitled film was originally set at Paramount, but Netflix will now take over with Martin Scorsese and Todd Phillips set as producers. Steven Spielberg and Amblin Entertainment are still attached. Cooper will also produce via his Joint Effort banner as well as Kristie Macosko Krieger, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, Fred Berner and Amy Durning.
Cooper also co-wrote the film and is set to star in the film that will be his directorial follow-up to his debut “A Star Is Born.”
“Spotlight” screenwriter Josh Singer co-wrote the script with Cooper. The film is not a biopic but spans decades and tells the story of Bernstein’s complex marriage and relationship with his wife Felicia Montealegre, a Chilean-born actress.
Production is expected to begin on the Bernstein film early next year, and Netflix plans to give the movie a theatrical release as it has done with “The Irishman” and its other awards contenders.
Cooper obtained the rights from the Bernstein estate and has been working closely with Bernstein’s children, Jamie, Alexander and Nina for the past two years.
“Bradley’s directorial debut was nothing short of brilliant and he quickly cemented himself as a serious filmmaker,” Scott Stuber, Netflix head of film, said in a statement. “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.”
Cooper will next team up with Guillermo del Toro and to star in his film “Nightmare Alley.” Cooper is represented by CAA.
Deadline first reported the news of the acquisition.