Bradley Cooper Teams with Paul Thomas Anderson for 70s Drama

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Bradley Cooper, fresh off of his eighth Oscar nomination, is in talks to star in the next feature film from acclaimed writer and director Paul Thomas Anderson. While plot details are mostly under wraps, we do know that it will follow various characters' stories in California's San Fernando Valley during the 1970s, revolving primarily around a child actor attending a local high school. Fans of Anderson's work will note that the San Fernando Valley is a common and personal setting for the filmmaker and was also the setting for his films "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," and "Punch-Drunk Love." 

Following up from his critically-acclaimed historical drama "Phantom Thread," Anderson will not only direct but also produce through his Ghoulardi Film Company with Sarah Murphy. The project was first announced back in 2017 and was expected to begin principal photography earlier this year. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, filming is expected to resume in late 2020. 

MGM will be distributing this described "coming-of-age drama" after gaining the rights from Focus Features. Leonardo DiCaprio was originally being eyed for the role back in early 2019. However, it appears Cooper is now the favorite. Current speculation is that the "Star is Born" actor will most likely play a mentor figure. Other actors previously rumored for the role included Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas, and George Clooney before Anderson decided to go for someone younger.

While there's currently no release date, the film is expected to release Fall 2021. With this film, Cooper's upcoming schedule is looking very impressive. He's currently in mid-production on Guillermo del Toro's "Nightmare Alley" with a self-directed Leonard Bernstein biopic for Netflix on the horizon.