There’s no secret about me being a fan of Wes Anderson. I’ve only actually reviewed one of his films (The French Dispatch) but that’s more down to timing than apathy; I may do a rewatch review series one day. Anyway, there’s absolutely no surprise that I’m pleased that there’ll be not one but two new films out this year. I’ve already written about The Wonderful Story Of Henry Sugar which is due out in the autumn. However, before that, the summer will be bringing Asteroid City.
What is Asteroid City?
Asteroid City will be a sci-fi, rom-com, drama set in the mid-fifties and based in one of those small towns in the middle of nowhere so popular in American films and TV programmes. The premise is that there is one of those scholastic science competitions that also seems to be ubiquitous in the USA. As with a lot of Wes Anderson films, there doesn’t seem to be a lot going on, given the synopsis, but I’m confident he’ll fill the two plus hours! Not only will he be able to fill the time but he will present a film that is captivatingly beautiful. In my opinion, he is up there with Luc Besson in making films that are gorgeous to watch and the story is a bonus.
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Behind The Camera
Obviously, we have Wes Anderson as director, producer, screenwriter, and co-author with Roman Coppola. Long-time cinematographer Robert Yeoman will be returning behind the camera.
Release Date(s)
The premiere will be in May 2023 at Cannes. There will be a limited USA release from 16th June followed by a wider release on 23rd June 2023.
First Look Trailer
Cast
As is usual, this will be an ensemble cast with a lot of familiar faces. Jason Schwartzman. Jeff Goldblum, Adrian Brody, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Bob Balaban, and Tony Revolori are all returning. New faces will include Tom Hanks, Steve Carrell, and Margot Robbie. Hopefully, they’ll make up for the absence of stalwart Bill Murray who had to drop out when he contracted COVID-19 before he could shoot his scenes; his part went to Stev
Characters In Asteroid City
Jason Schwartzman plays a widowed war photographer who gets his cranky, grieving father-in-law (Tom Hanks) to come and help look after the kids; he falls for a nearby inventor-kid mom, a movie star played by Scarlett Johansson. Jeffrey Wright plays the general in charge, Steve Carell is the motel owner, Matt Dillon the town’s mechanic, Rupert Friend is the local singing cowpoke. Hope Davis and Liev Schreiber are among the parents, and Edward Norton plays an emotionally fragile dramatist.
Asteroid City’s Backstory
There is none that you need. As with all the other Wes Anderson films, this is a stand alone feature so you can walk in to it stone cold.
Sequels?
Probably not.
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Former teacher, lecturer, homelessness administrator, pharmacy dispenser now happily retired, happily married, and a very happy granddad. I live next to the Mersey but on the side Daniel Craig and Taron Egerton come from rather than the side the Beatles came from!