Wes Anderson’s next film will see him unite with Richard Ayoade on the screenplay, it’s been revealed. More here.
Wes Anderson has a new film, The Phoenician Scheme, out this week, and as such, he’s naturally being asked about his next project. While we’re all looking forward to seeing the filmmaker’s follow-up to 2023’s Asteroid City, Anderson revealed just a little about a forthcoming project at a press conference for his latest film.
While the filmmaker doesn’t give away much, he does state that the film will feature darkness. Given that Anderson’s films are known for their sense of whimsy, that in itself is pretty intriguing. What does a Wes Anderson take on darkness even look like? Will it be live action or will he once again be drawn back to the world of puppetry?
Appreciating Anderson remained tight-lipped regarding any kind of plot details, he did reveal that Richard Ayoade would be co-writing the new project along with himself and regular writing partner, Roman Coppola, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Ayoade has joined Anderson’s cast of regular players for The Phoenician Scheme, and we wouldn’t bet against the quirky British talent once again turning up in an onscreen role too, when the film finally arrives.
The creative collision of Anderson and Ayoade certainly feels right somehow, even if Ayoade hasn’t been visibly active as a screenwriter for some time now. He did of course write and direct the brilliant coming-of-age film Submarine back in 2010, as well as a follow-up film, The Double, which released in 2013. Ayoade was also said to be returning to directing with an adaptation of The Semplica Girl Diaries starring Ben Stiller, but we haven’t heard much regarding that for a couple of years now.
Given that Ayoade is also a regular fixture on our TV screens, seeing him back in the cinema (and in the giant upcoming videogame, Fable where he plays an, er, giant) should be fun. We’ll bring you more on this project as we hear it.
