Bradley Cooper is set to direct and produce Netflix’s Maestro, a film which sees him take on the role of the iconic American conductor and musical figure, Leonard Bernstein.
The movie charts the enduring relationship between Bernstein and his wife Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, played by Carey Mulligan, and has already released its first trailer to mixed reactions.
While some criticized Cooper’s prosthetic nose, claiming it was anti-Semitic, Bernstein’s children – Jamie, Alexander and Nina – spoke out in defense of his decision to wear it in the film, stating that they were involved in its creation and that their father would have likely been pleased with the portrayal. Other fans on X (formerly Twitter) have deemed the Silver Linings Playbook actor to be “unrecognizable” with it on.
Bradley Cooper Makes Fans Do A 'Double Take' With Prosthetic Nose For Upcoming Film, Maestro
Shortly after the latest trailer for Maestro dropped (below), fans headed to social media to share their thoughts on the Oscar winner's transformation.
"Bradley Cooper is a movie star with an easily recognizable face; with the prosthetics (okayed by Bernstein's family) he is virtually unrecognizable and can truly disappear into the role of playing Leonard Bernstein," one wrote. Another added: "Is that really him?"
Regarding the prosthetic nose choice, Bernstein's children wrote in a statement: "Bradley Cooper included the three of us along every step of his amazing journey as he made his film about our father."
They continued: "We were touched to the core to witness the depth of his commitment, his loving embrace of our father’s music, and the sheer open-hearted joy he brought to his exploration."
Earlier this year, during a Focus Features awards season roundtable, Cooper spoke with Todd Field, the writer-director of TÁR, and actresses Cate Blanchett and Nina Hoss about his upcoming film.
As its director and lead actor, Cooper shared his newfound respect for the challenging profession of conducting after immersing himself in the role.
The father of one also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to take on this project. "[Conducting] is the absolute hardest thing you could ever want to do," Cooper shared, adding, "it is impossible.'"
Maestro is scheduled for release on December 20th on Netflix and will be shown in select theaters from November 22nd, with its premiere taking place on October 2nd at New York's David Geffen Hall as part of the New York Film Festival, where Bernstein once conducted the New York Philharmonic for more than ten years.
