<P> A Star Is Born is a 2018 American music - themed romantic drama film produced and directed by Bradley Cooper (in his directorial debut) and written by Cooper, Eric Roth and Will Fetters . A remake of the 1937 film of the same name, it stars Cooper, Lady Gaga, Andrew Dice Clay, Dave Chappelle, and Sam Elliott, and follows a hard - drinking musician (Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with a young singer (Gaga). It marks the fourth remake of the original 1937 film, after the 1954 musical, the 1976 rock musical and the 2013 Bollywood romance film . </P> <P> Talks of a remake of A Star Is Born began in 2011, with Clint Eastwood attached to direct and Beyoncé set to star . The film was in development hell for several years with various actors approached to co-star, including Christian Bale, Leonardo DiCaprio, Will Smith, and Tom Cruise . In March 2016, Cooper signed on to star and direct, and Lady Gaga joined the cast in August 2016 . Principal photography began at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2017 . </P> <P> A Star Is Born premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 31, 2018, and was theatrically released in the United States on October 5, 2018, by Warner Bros . The film has grossed over $254 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, with praise for Cooper, Gaga and Elliott's performances and Cooper's direction, as well as the screenplay, cinematography and music . </P> <P> Jackson Maine, a famous country music singer privately battling an alcohol and drug addiction, plays a concert in California . His main support is Bobby, his manager and significantly older half - brother . After the show, Jackson happens upon a drag bar where he witnesses a performance by Ally, a waitress and singer - songwriter . Jackson is amazed by her talent; they spend the night speaking to each other, where Ally discloses to him the troubles she has faced in pursuing a professional music career . </P>

When does a star is born start playing