Wes Anderson, the mastermind behind visually stunning films such as “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and “Moonrise Kingdom”, is back with a brand new film that promises to be just as dazzling. Titled “Asteroid City”, the film marks Anderson’s first foray into science fiction, and from what we know so far, it looks like it’s going to be quite the ride.
A New Genre for the Renowned Filmmaker
“Asteroid City” sees Anderson exploring an entirely new genre, but that hasn’t stopped him from bringing his signature style along for the ride. The movie is set in a tiny desert town in the 1950s, and features a pastel-washed space race aesthetic complete with laser beams and a possible alien invasion. In one of the trailers released by Focus Features, audiences are treated to glimpses of Anderson’s whimsical, symmetrical framing, accompanied by Alexandre Desplat’s beautifully haunting score.
A Star-Studded Cast
One of the most exciting things about “Asteroid City” is its incredible cast. Jason Schwartzman stars as a widower who finds himself stranded in Asteroid City with his children. They seek help from Schwartzman’s father-in-law played by none other than Tom Hanks. Scarlett Johansson plays a languishing actress who gets drawn into the strange happenings of the town. Jeffrey Wright plays a man who informs the town about a meteor strike while Maya Hawke appears as a schoolteacher.
The ensemble cast also includes Margot Robbie, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke’s daughter Maya Hawke among others. Bill Murray was originally cast but had to drop out due to COVID-19; Steve Carell took his place.
Reuniting with Collaborators
“Asteroid City” also sees Anderson reuniting with several of his longtime collaborators. Cinematographer Robert Yeoman, who worked with Anderson on most of his previous films, is back once again to create visually stunning scenes. The film’s score comes courtesy of Alexandre Desplat, while Barney Pilling returns as editor. With such an experienced team behind the scenes, “Asteroid City” is sure to live up to expectations.
Release Dates
“Asteroid City” is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, followed by a limited theatrical release on June 16th and a wide release on June 23rd.
Anderson’s upcoming film is one of two projects slated for release in 2023; he will also be releasing an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” starring Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Benedict Cumberbatch in the title role.
Collaborative Writing
Anderson co-wrote the script with his longtime collaborator Roman Coppola. Anderson produced the movie with Jeremy Dawson and Steven Rales from Indian Paintbrush, while John Peet and Octavia Peissel co-produced the film alongside executive producers Christoph Fisser and Henning Molfenter.
In conclusion, Anderson’s latest venture provides yet another example of his unique approach to filmmaking that has earned him legions of fans. With talented actors and a brilliant production team behind him, it’s safe to say that “Asteroid City” will be one of the most eagerly anticipated films of 2023.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
