During a recent interview with the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, Bradley Cooper delved into the memorable and somewhat surreal experience of meeting with Beyoncé and JAY-Z while pitching the idea of having Beyoncé star in “A Star is Born.” Cooper, who was aiming to cast Beyoncé as the lead in the film, shared intriguing details of his encounter with the powerhouse couple.
Describing the meeting as “crazy,” Cooper recounted how he found himself at Beyoncé’s home, where JAY-Z happened to be present. To add a touch of whimsy to the scene, JAY-Z was engrossed in watching “Judge Judy” at the time, a detail that Cooper vividly remembered. Despite his excitement, Cooper couldn’t shake off his nerves during the pitch, even experiencing a strange cough.
The stakes were high during the meeting, with Cooper recalling a stipulation from studio executive Greg Silverman that he could only proceed with the film if he managed to secure Beyoncé for the lead role and keep the budget under $25 million. As Cooper pitched his vision to Beyoncé, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment.
Ultimately, the role of Ally went to Lady Gaga, but Cooper’s encounter with Beyoncé and JAY-Z left an indelible mark on him. The experience of pitching a film to one of the most influential couples in the entertainment industry, with JAY-Z casually watching TV in the background, became a surreal and memorable chapter in Cooper’s Hollywood journey.
Reflecting on the meeting, Cooper’s recollection offers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of Hollywood negotiations and the unexpected twists that can occur behind the scenes. Despite the outcome, the anecdote serves as a testament to the fascinating and sometimes unpredictable nature of the film industry.
