A Star Is Born- Remake

I know, I know, I know. Another remake. How original. Now that we got that out of the way- this remake has been in the works for years. There was a time when it was rumored that Tom Cruise was going to be the leading male with Beyonce taking over the role Judy Garland made famous (even though she was not the original. Believe it or not, her version was a remake of the 1937 move with Janet Gaynor. Then Barbara Streisand took her spin on this popular story).

For those who are not familiar with the story, the movie focuses on a young starlet who enters the glamour of show business and falls in love with an established well-known actor. Their relationship is tested and stretched to its limits as her star rises while his falls. It is a tragic love story combined with the glitz and hardness of stardom.

If they are actually going to get this remake (the 4th retelling of this story on the big screen), the cast will have be something. After all, the lead actress will be following in the footsteps of Judy Garland and Barbara Streisand. Plus, the lead actor will have to make the role his own after Kris Kristofferson and James Mason.

For the lead female actor, I believe it would be great if we had an actress who can do it all: act, dance, sing, etc. Plus, she has to be believable as a young starlet as well as an aging actress (something Garland was unfortunately criticized about in her portrayal).

One current name that comes up is Lea Michele. She can dance, sing, act. Currently, she has not had a really breakout big screen moment. Most of her success has been on the small screen thanks to Glee. It will be no stretch of the imagination to see her a struggling young entertainer. One thing might get in her way though, a talent she might be, but Lea Michele has not exactly endeared herself to the mass majority. There is something almost too forced/plastic about her presence. It could be those fake poses on the red carpet.

Another young lady who has showed that she is a complete package on the small screen has been Katharine McPhee. Through Smash, she has shown her success from American Idol was not a fluke or thanks to her looks. She has a voice, she can act and she can dance. Sadly her show is no more, and her movie attempts have been lacking. Maybe with the right vehicle, we can see if she is more than just an American Idol Alumni.

Another American Idol who has dipped her toe in the acting arena is Jordin Sparks. Joining the great Whitney Houston which became her last motion picture/project before her untimely death, Jordin has blossomed into a beautiful young lady with some big chops.

Speaking of actresses from "competition shows", Julianne Hough has been trying to beef up her acting resume. Footloose got her stomping onto the big screen and then she teased her hair for Rock of Ages. However, her latest endeavors look like her attempts to be taken seriously as an actress. Though this might bring her back to a "musical" movie type, this character has enough drama and complexity for any actress

Another girl who has it all, and has already proven she is more than a cotton candy actress is Anne Hatheway. If there was any doubt that she could shed the Disney princess mark, her latest roles have proven that she can do drama, action, comedy, indie and be taken as an adult. Now that she is an award winner, though, who knows if they can afford her, but maybe the challenge will be enough to get her to read for the role.

Anne's Les Miserables' fellow actor, Amanda Seyfried is another young actress who can sing. There is something very sweet and endearing about her. The only thing I would have to question is her ability to portray a huge star whose fame eclipses the man she loves. She is almost too soft to be that famous.

Amy Adams can play innocent, sweet and naive. Then she turn on a dime and become dark, gritty and hard. She can play the sides and has the vocals and feet to be an all around entertainer. You can believe watching her go from the doe-eyed young wannabe star to the experienced, heartbroken star who has it all yet doesn't.






Now to round up our males:

Viggo Mortensen is such a diverse actor. It might surprise some people that he has done things outside of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I can picture him as the famous celebrity who spirals down into darkness as he watches the woman he loves get everything he use to have.


Former 007, Pierce Brosnan is another actor who has done the action, the family films and drama. It's been awhile since we've seen him as a leading man which might make his turn as this aging actor even more meatier.




Richard Gere is all around actor. He can dance, sing, act and entertain. I can picture him in this role. Can you?




No one can claim that Denzel Washington cannot bring some drama and depth into a simple role. Whether he is crooked cop, a bed ridden detective, a desperate father- he brings his heart into his roles. It could be fun to watch him turn this character into his own.

Keeping a practically low profile, John Travolta has not been seen on the big screen for awhile. Almost remembered as much for as being the butt of jokes as his acting/entertaining career, I would love to see Travolta come back and remind people why we fell in love with him in the first place. He might just have to do something about his recent haircut.






Ralph Fiennes charmed Jennifer Lopez and fans in Maid in Manhattan, scared wizards and audience members in the Harry Potter franchise. Also, he has that accent which just makes you want to listen to him even more.