Beyoncé exits Clint Eastwood’s A Star is Born

Beyoncé Knowles will no longer play the female lead in Clint Eastwood’s troubled remake of A Star is Born, Variety reports.

Knowles had been onboard with the film prior to Eastwood’s involvement in early 2011, for what would be the fourth incarnation of the story following features in 1937, 1954 and 1976.

The singer looked set to take on the character played by Janet Gaynor, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand, but has departed the project due to her busy schedule. The film was to start production in February 2012 until Knowles’ first pregnancy pushed the date back.

Names thrown around for the still uncast male lead have included Russell Crowe, Gerard Butler, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale, Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp, Bradley Cooper, and even Knowles’ husband, rapper Jay-Z.

Eastwood is now eyeing jazz musician Esperanza Spalding for his leading lady.

However, one must wonder with all of these obstacles if the project is still worth pursuing.