In earlier versions of the film, Esther's family has a greater role in the story. In William Wellman's 1937 original, it is Esther's grandmother—not Norman—who first inspires her to move to Hollywood. We'd like to bring back Esther's mother figure, and of course, nobody does it better than Susan Sarandon. 

Beyoncé is the name that comes up most frequently for the role of Esther Blodgett, the ambitious and love-struck young beauty with star potential. On behalf of those immune from the Bey craze, however, we'd like to suggest an alternative: Gwyneth Paltrow. GOOP aside, she stole our hearts in Country Strong, and we'd like to see her belt it out once more.  

We'd cast Michael Shannon as Esther's studio manager, who secures Esther her first big break in a musical film and eventually becomes one of her dearest friends as she suffers through Norman's deterioration. It's tempting to cast Shannon as Norman, but that would be too easy.

If Bradley Cooper decides not to star in his own film, we'd like Joaquin Phoenix to play Norman Maine, the has-been rock star who lets his own self-pity threaten his relationship with Esther. Joaquin Phoenix is always a little rough around the edges, which is why he's perfect for the role of a man who can't let go of his glory days. 

We nominate Dallas Roberts to play the role of Esther's former bandmate, who watches skeptically as Esther abandons their project in order to pursue bigger dreams. Roberts has the demeanor of a doubtful friend who always has your best interests in mind—he's practically mastered the sentiment as Alicia's brother on The Good Wife. 

Forever sexy and sinister, Peter Sarsgaard is perfect for the role of Esther's studio publicist, who taunts Norman and accuses him of living off Esther's earnings.