Movies

Bradley Cooper looks unrecognizable for Leonard Bernstein biopic, ‘Maestro’

Bradley Cooper has fans doing a double take following the release of images from his upcoming Netflix film, “Maestro.”

The Oscar nominee, 47, transformed into famed American conductor Leonard Bernstein for the biopic, and appears unrecognizable pics straight from the movie’s set.

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Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper filming a scene for "Maestro."
Carey Mulligan plays Bernstein’s wife, Felicia Montealegre, in the movie.Netflix
Carey Mulligan and Bradley Cooper filming a scene for "Maestro."
Netflix
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Cooper will play Bernstein from his youth until his death at age 72, which took place in 1990 as a result of a heart attack caused by progressive lung failure. The movie takes place over a 30-year span.

In one of the promotional images, the “American Hustle” star is seen channeling the late “West Side Story” composer in a retro-looking suit alongside his co-star Carey Mulligan.

He then appears completely different in scenes from later on in Bernstein’s life with a head of white hair, a heavier physique, and age-enhancing prosthetics.

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Bradley Cooper dressed as an elder version of Leonard Bernstein for "Maestro."
Cooper dressed as an elder version of Bernstein for “Maestro.”Netflix
Leonard Bernstein smiling and wearing a tan suit.
The real Leonard Bernstein around 1980.Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
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“Maestro” has been filming in recent months and is expected to be released in 2023, according to Deadline.

Cooper wrote the script with Oscar-winning scribe Josh Singer of “Spotlight.”

Famed filmmakers Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg are producers for the drama.

In January, Cooper revealed on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” that he was “obsessed” with conducting as a child and spent “hundreds of hours” practicing it.

Bradley Cooper wearing a tux to the Met Gala.
According to Cooper, Spielberg was initially asked to direct the biopic. Getty Images

“Steven Spielberg knew that,” he shared, also noting that the award-winning director asked him to play Bernstein and then eventually to direct the film after seeing Cooper’s work on “A Star Is Born.”