Not everything’s coming up roses, and as far as this project is concerned, it hasn’t been that way for a long time. After myriad team changes and battles with the creators, the long-gestating Gypsy remake—presumably starring and maybe directed by Barbara Streisand—has been put in turnaround by Universal Pictures. According to Deadline, Streisand and producer Joel Silver will need to find another studio in order for the project to resume.
Although Deadline wrote that at the time of the course change, Robert Luketic was to direct a script penned by Julian Fellowes, it was reported last year that Oscar nominee Richard LaGravenese (who wrote the screenplay for The Last Five Years) had taken over. Luketic joins a revolving door of names attached to helm, which also includes Tony winner Matthew Warchus and Streisand herself.
No word yet whether John Travolta and Lady Gaga, who were reportedly in talks to take on the roles of Herbie and Louise, would continue with the film should development move forward after this setback.
Streisand’s Gypsy project was first announced in January of 2011. Just months later, the show’s lyricist Stephen Sondheim and the late librettist Arthur Laurents had intended to have the project scrapped, though it was soon reported to be back on.