While filming J. Edgar with director Clint Eastwood, there is word that Clint is sweet-talking Leo into joining the cast of A Star Is Born, Eastwood’s next directing gig. This would be a big change for DiCaprio, who has made a blockbuster career out of playing intense, brooding characters, the type you normally don’t find in musical remakes.

If Leo joins the film, there is little question he would play the lead, a has-been star performer who takes an up-and-comer (Beyonce) under his wing, only to fall in love with her.

With J. Edgar still shooting, the casting decisions here aren’t terribly pressing, but it’s a safe bet that Eastwood would like to lock down DiCaprio before they go their separate ways after filming ends.

This project is getting weird so gradually, it’s almost hard to notice. (Deadline)

The announcement as Clint Eastwood as director of the musical is borderling jaw-dropping. He had earlier expressed an interest in working with more female-driven stories, but to do so in this capacity is shocking. He has proven capable of tackling most any genre in the book, but when examining the trio “Clint Eastwood, Beyonce, musical,” one of those things is not like the others. Just hearing him say “Beyonce” in his next interview has me giggling already. Warner Bros. made the announcement today, but no word is available on the schedule or release dates, though rumors are shooting will start in the fall.

For those not familiar with the three previous iterations of A Star Is Born, the story is essentially a love affair between an alcoholic star in the twilight of their career and a young star on the rise. While no roles have been assigned with the casting news, it’s a safe assumption that Beyonce will play the latter character, which begs the question of who will play the other role. Hugh Jackman is probably sitting by his phone right now with sweaty palms. (Deadline)