Steven Spielberg Eyes Leonard Bernstein Biopic | Playbill

Film & TV News Steven Spielberg Eyes Leonard Bernstein Biopic The Oscar-winning director is reportedly working on a new film about the life of the celebrated composer.
Steven Spielberg Denis Makarenko / Shutterstock

Steven Spielberg is at work on an untitled Leonard Bernstein biopic.

Variety reports that the three-time Oscar-winning director held a table read earlier this week for the film project, though it is unknown who participated or who is penning the script.

The project is thought to be separate from the Martin Scorsese-led biopic on the iconic composer that was announced in 2015 with Spotlight screenwriter and producer Josh Singer attached.

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Leonard Bernstein Al Ravenna

As previously reported, Spielberg is also at work with Pulitzer Prize-winning Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner on a film remake of the 1961 West Side Story, for which Bernstein wrote the music. According to a recent casting notice from casting director Cindy Tolan, the film remake was on the lookout for its principal stars, though a production schedule had not yet been established.

Read: STEVEN SPIELBERG AND TONY KUSHNER WEST SIDE STORY REMAKE ISSUES CASTING CALL

The late Bernstein, a towering figure in Broadway and classical music, also composed On the Town, Peter Pan, Wonderful Town, and Candide. He was awarded a special Tony Award in 1969 and won the 1953 Tony Award for Wonderful Town. His score to the 1954 film On the Waterfront was Oscar-nominated, and he was the long-time musical director and conductor of the New York Philharmonic.

Arts organizations and cultural centers all around the world are currently celebrating the life and career of the iconic composer as part of Leonard Bernstein at 100. For the complete calendar of events, visit LeonardBernstein.com/News/Calendar.

 
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