FilmmakerNoah Baumbachhas taken a decidedly clandestine approach to making movies over the past few years. Instead of announcing his cast or the start of filming, or even talking about upcoming projects, he just makes them without any notice. Case in point: today,The Film Stagerevealed that theFrances Hadirector has started production on his next feature,Yen Din Ka Kissa, via production notices on the streets of New York City. Moreover, the outlet has info on the film’s cast, and it’s quite formidable.Adam Sandler,Ben Stiller,Emma Thompson, andDustin Hoffmanare reportedly filling out the ensemble for Baumbach’s latest picture, quickly making this one of the most anticipated upcoming films that we didn’t even know existed.
Per The Film Stage, the film “tells the story of an estranged New York family coming together in preparation of artist & patriarch Harold’s career retrospective.” Hoffman is apparently playing Harold, while one assumes Sandler and Stiller will be playing siblings. And Thompson previously revealed toUSA Todaythat she plays “a dreadful, passive-aggressive alcoholic” in the picture.
This will be Baumbach’s first time working with Sandler, and given how great the comedian can be when working with auteurs, this is an incredibly exciting pairing. Not to mention the prospect of Baumbach working with giants like Thompson and Hoffman, and reteaming with Stiller for a third time afterGreenbergand the delightfulWhile We’re Young.
Baumbach released two films in 2015, the aforementionedWhile We’re Young—a more commercial comedy—and theFrances Ha-esqueMistress America, which were both pretty darn great. WithFrances Haand beyond, the director seems to have made a concerted effort to move away from his more melancholic tendencies and embrace the more vibrant aspects of life. WhileYen Din Ka Kissa’s synopsis suggests something more akin to his 2005 featureThe Squid and the Whale, I’m curious to see if the director’s playful streak continues or if this new film marks a return to more dramatic territory. Either way, I can’t wait.
