Wes Anderson’s long-awaited sci-fi comedy “Asteroid City” is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2022. The film, which is set in a fictional American desert town in the 1950s, follows the chaos that ensues at a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention.
A Star-Studded Cast
“Asteroid City” features an ensemble cast of stars, including Margot Robbie, Tom Hanks, Hong Chau, and Scarlett Johansson. Jeffrey Wright, Maya Hawke, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody, Tilda Swinton, and Steve Carell also join the cast. The film reunites Anderson with production collaborators Alexandre Desplat, Robert Yeoman, and Barney Pilling.
An Intriguing Plot
The trailer for “Asteroid City” hints at a science fiction storyline set in a desert with a pastel-washed space race aesthetic, laser beams and a possible invasion from above. The film follows Jason Schwartzman and his kids who get stranded after their car explodes. Schwartzman seeks help from his father-in-law played by Tom Hanks.
Anderson’s Signature Style
True to his signature visual style, “Asteroid City” boasts bright and highly exposed colorization and whimsical symmetrical framing. The movie was written by Anderson and Roman Coppola. Anderson’s long list of credits includes “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Isle of Dogs,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Release Dates
After premiering at Cannes Film Festival in May 2022, “Asteroid City” is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on June 16 with a wider expansion on June 23. Bill Murray was originally cast in the film but had to drop out after contracting COVID-19. Steve Carell stepped in to fill his role.
A First for Anderson
“Asteroid City” marks Wes Anderson’s first foray into science fiction. The film is set at an observation astronomy gathering in the 1950s. The trailer hints at the arrival of an alien lifeform and a government-mandated lockdown in Asteroid City.
Another Anderson Project
Aside from “Asteroid City,” Anderson also has another project planned for release in 2023: an adaptation of Roald Dahl’s short story “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar,” starring Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
In conclusion, with its talented cast and intriguing storyline, “Asteroid City” is shaping up to be another hit for Wes Anderson. Fans can’t wait to see what unique visual style and creativity he brings to this sci-fi comedy.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
