After a romp through the world of stop-motion animation for the deep and adorable ISLE OF DOGS, Wes Anderson is back directing human actors — as he’s often known to do — for a recently announced project that will open in theatres in 2020.
Titled THE FRENCH DISPATCH, Wes Anderson’s latest is being described as “a love letter to journalists set in an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional 20th-century French city [that] brings to life a collection of stories published in The French Dispatch magazine.” This sounds like Anderson could be doing an anthology of short stories that may or may not be connected. It’s an intriguing premise, either way.
What we do know is that Wes Anderson is bringing along his usual, star-powered ensemble of actors who frequently leap at the opportunity to collaborate with the visionary storyteller. THE FRENCH DISPATCH, according to a press release, will star Benicio Del Toro, Frances McDormand, Jeffrey Wright, Adrien Brody, Timothée Chalamet, Léa Seydoux, Tilda Swinton, Mathieu Amalric, Lyna Khoudri, Stephen Park, Owen Wilson and Bill Murray.
Some of those names have been making movies with Wes Anderson since his earliest days, including Owen Wilson and Bill Murray. Others are newcomers to the world of Wes, though the director’s ability to create a recognizable world is precisely what lured Fox Searchlight into acquiring the rights to this new project.
“We are excited to dive back into the unmistakable and entirely original world of Wes Anderson,” said Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, chairmen of Fox Searchlight Pictures. “Our collaborations with Wes in the past have been exceptional, and we’re thrilled to be back working with him and the Indian Paintbrush team on THE FRENCH DISPATCH.”
There’s no release date yet for THE FRENCH DISPATCH or a full summary, but we expect to learn more about the anticipated project as Wes Anderson and his crew head into production. For the latest in movie news and developments, check AMC Scene on the regular.