Jake Gyllenhaal absolutely wanted to tell the life of Leonard Bernstein on the big screen
Bradley Cooper has preceded the actor of Donnie Darko, by recovering the project initially carried by Steven Spielberg.
This Wednesday, the very first teaser of Maestro, the biopic of bradley cooper on Leonard Bernstein, was unveiled by Netflix. The actor and director of A star is Born managed to bring a project around the legendary conductor, notably at the origin of the soundtrack of West Side Story.
Nevertheless, he was not the only one on the spot. In an interview with Deadline published in 2021, we learn that Jake Gyllenhaal also wanted to tell this story for quite a while.
“For twenty years, I had in mind this idea of playing the most preeminent Jewish artist in America, and telling the trials linked to his identity”explains the actor of Donnie Darko And Zodiac.
Obviously, Gyllenhaal was never able to go to the end of his desire, and was especially preceded by a Cooper supported by Steven Spielberg. In reality, the Netflix film was first to be worn by the director of Jurassic Park. Only, after approaching Bradley Cooper for the lead role, he ended up giving him the direction.
“Nobody likes to admit that, but we lost at our own game (…) There is always another project. Taking risks, and hoping to have the opportunity to tell the stories we love, is something to be proud of (…) I wish them the best”concludes Jake Gyllenhaal in the interview.
Alongside Bradley Cooper in Maestro, we will find Carey Mulligan in the role of Felicia Montealegre, the wife of Leonard Bernstein. The film will be presented at the Venice Film Festival, which will be held from August 30 to September 9. However, you will have to wait until December 20, 2023 to discover it on Netflix.
