Beyoncé cites scheduling conflicts as her reason for backing out of Clint Eastwood’s remake of “A Star is Born,” however, political observers say the move could be due to the actor/director/producer’s political views.
Beyoncé and Eastwood are at different ends of the political spectrum with the songstress, and her husband Jay Z, being long-time supporters of President Barack Obama and Eastwood a staunch Republican. Eastwood was highly criticized by industry insiders such as film critic Robert Ebert, CNN host Howard Kurtz and actor/comedian Bob Newhart for his “empty chair” stunt at the Republican National Convention. The actor delivered a lengthy monologue to an empty chair that an imaginary President Obama was sitting in.
“Mr. President, how do you handle promises that you have made when you were running for election, and how do you handle them? I mean, what do you say to people?” Eastwood asked the empty chair during his unusual endorsement of candidate Mitt Romney. Eastwood addressed the chair for more than 10 minutes.
Neither Beyoncé or Warner Brothers have responded to this speculation. “Warner Bros. had no comment, but sources said her schedule was already packed and that without a set start date the scheduling became too complicated for the singer,” according to “Variety.”
Eastwood’s production was previously delayed due to Beyoncé’s pregnancy, then again when a search for a male lead continued to drag out. Actors Leonarde DiCaprio, Christian Bale and Will Smith have all turned down the male lead, reports the Press Association. Bradley Cooper is the latest contender for the part, but his involvement has not been confirmed.
This would be the fourth big screen adaptation of “A Star is Born.” Judy Garland starred in the first version in 1937 and Barbara Streisand won accolades for her 1976 remake. Streisand’s version won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and five Golden Globe awards.
Hollywood insiders are already speculating that Eastwood will approach jazz musician Esperanza Spaulding for the female lead, but not until the male lead has been filled.
