When it comes to upcomingWes Andersonprojects, heresy is the name of the game. Rarely does Anderson announce his cast, title, and synopsis before filming begins, which means we’re left to piece together various reports from the places in which he’s shooting his independently financed projects (by way of Indian Paintbrush, of course). Such is the case with Anderson’s follow-up toIsle of Dogs, which up to now has been described as a musical set in France. As it turns out, that was only half right.
PerIndiewire, Anderson’s next film is indeed set in France and is a live-action project that started shooting last week, but contrary to prior reports, it isnota musical. Sources tell Indiewire that the film, which is reportedly titledThe French Dispatch, is instead “a love letter to journalists set at an outpost of an American newspaper in 20th century Paris and centers on three storylines.” Yep, that sounds like a Wes Anderson movie.
Indiewire also has news on the film’s cast, which is a mix of usual suspects and exciting newcomers.Bill Murray,Frances McDormand, andTilda Swintonare all reuniting with Anderson for the film, whileBenicio del ToroandTimothée Chalametare poised to make their Wes Anderson debuts. Again, none of this is confirmed, but a few months back Chalamet was on a podcast teasing an upcoming project with a celebrated auteur, so it seems to be spot on.
Unconfirmed, however, areBrad Pitt,Natalie Portman, andLea Seydoux, as Indiewire was unable to get confirmation that theserumored performersare definitely in the film. I suppose we’ll have to wait to find out, but for now all of the above sounds terrific.
And there’s certainly an intense amount of anticipation surroundingThe French Dispatch, as Anderson’s last live-action filmThe Grand Budapest Hotelis celebrated as one of his best films so far. It was also Anderson’s most successful, as it scored $174.8 million worldwide at the box office and won four Oscars. No pressure!
