It would be justified to say that Wes Anderson not just filmmakers; she is an artist, who paints stories in vivid visuals and immersive narratives that have the power to transport you into her world. (Or maybe this author’s enduring admiration for his work). If you’ve never experienced Anderson’s masterful storytelling, but want to, then this upcoming film, Asteroid City is what you should definitely look forward to. And even if you have, this film has the potential to surpass anything you’ve seen before. The long-awaited project is the filmmaker’s latest period ensemble work and 11th feature film, which he wrote, directed, and co-produced, from a story he wrote himself and Coppola Roman.
Set in 1955, plot from Asteroid City follows a group of students and their parents who head to a fictional desert town for the annual Stargazer Junior convention and subsequent events. Defined as a sci-fi romantic comedy, this film may look like another luxury cinematic experience from Anderson’s book, however, it’s not simply his work, as the newly released trailer suggests. But more on that in a moment.
Scheduled to arrive in theaters this summer, this seems like the perfect film to watch this season and immerse yourself in Anderson’s colorful whimsy that usually leaves you asking for more. And while you wait, learn about the plot, release date, trailer, cast, characters and everything we know so far Asteroid City.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on May 26, 2023, with new footage.
When is the Asteroid City Release Date?
Asteroid City made its global premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival in May 2023, followed by a limited theatrical release in the United States by Focus Features on June 16, 2023. The film will have a wide release on June 23, 2023.
Is There an Asteroid City Trailer?
Watching a Wes Anderson film is like flipping through a beautifully crafted picture book or a collection of works of art, where the characters and subjects come to life. The official trailer of Asteroid City indicates that this upcoming feature will also feature that experience. It’s almost redundant to talk about the characters in the trailer because skimming through them wouldn’t do them justice for the layers they’ll showcase as you watch the film. So let’s skip that and talk about how you feel about the trailer.
The trailer’s lively and upbeat tone coupled with its continued use of symmetry, makes for the filmmaker’s signature motif. But as the trailer progresses, it becomes clear that not everything is rosy and rosy. This visual perfection is instantly contrasted with a subtle aura of mystery and chaos. It’s aspirational yet terrifying and confusing, it’s immersive yet escapist, Anderson’s only specialty. So, if this kind of artistic discrepancy is your thing, then you shouldn’t miss this film. In simple words, the Asteroid City trailer hints at an adventurous, fun and aesthetically appealing film that takes you back to the golden days of pastel-colored Americana.
Focus Features has released three clips of the film, showcasing Anderson’s cutting dialogue and establishing the film’s tone. The first clip, “You’re So Nice,” [seen above] displays it beautifully. While this isn’t the full trailer, this clip offers a deeper insight into how the film treats its audience and, once again, Wes Anderson’s obvious feelings. Below you can watch the clips “Are You Married” and “You Didn’t Ask For Permission”.
Who’s in the Asteroid City Cast?
If there’s one thing that’s common across all of Wes Anderson’s films, it’s their spectacular cast, featuring some of their all-time favorites, friends, and frequent collaborators. But with Asteroid Citycasting has outpaced her other projects and featured a bigger, grander, and stellar cast, described as “bigger than most of Anderson’s other ensemble films.”
In an interview, the cast members Fisher Stevens described it as “the wildest cast since The Bridge on the River Kwai”. Bryan Crastonwho also appears in the film, shared her experience of being part of the extravaganza and called it “like fulfilling an actor’s dream camp”.
Packed with Hollywood A-listers, Asteroid City star Jason Schwartzmann as Augie Steenbeck, a widow with four children attending a stargazing convention; Scarlett Johansson as Midge Campbell, an actress, Tom Hanks as Augie’s father-in-law, Jeffrey Wright as General Grif Gibson, along with Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrian Brodie, Margot Robbie, Willem Dafoe, Steve Carell, Hong ChauAnd Jeff Goldblumas good Stephen Park as Rogers, Liev Schreiber as Ed, Rupert’s friend as Montana, Matt Dilon as Walter Geronimo, Jake Ryan as Woodrow Steenbeck, Ethan Josh Lee as Ricky, and Aristou Meehan as Clifford. The sci-fi rom-com period also features, Hope Davis, Maya Hawke, Tony Revolori, Sophia Lilis, Grace Edwards, Rita Wilson, Jarvis CockerAnd Bob Balaban in various roles.
Who Created Asteroid City?
Wes Anderson wrote and directed Asteroid City of a story he co-wrote with Roman Coppola. Anderson and Coppola have been longtime collaborators and have previously worked on Anderson’s projects Darjeeling Limited (together with Jason Schwartzman) which was also produced by Coppola, The Rising Moon Kingdom, Dog Island (along with Schwartzman and Kunichi Nomura), And French delivery (along with Schwartzman and Hugo Guinness) of which Coppola served as executive producer.
Asteroid City is the second collaboration between Focus Features and Anderson, having previously teamed up in 2012 for The Rising Moon Kingdom. Anderson also co-produces sci-fi romantic comedies with Academy Award- and Golden Globe-nominated producers and visual artists. Jeremy Dawson (Grand Budapest Hotel) And Steven Ralesunder its production banner, Indian Paintbrush.
When it comes to any Anderson filmmaker, cinematography and music form an important part of his projects. For Asteroid CityAnderson once again brought back Robert Yeomanis an Academy Award-nominated cinematographer, known for his frequent collaborations with Anderson (and Paul Feig). The fact that Yeoman has worked with Anderson on each of his live-action films says a lot about the artistry and visual style that make each of these films extraordinary and iconic. Yeoman’s work continues Grand Budapest Hotel earned him Academy Award and BAFTA nominations for Best Cinematography. Academy, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and Cesar Award-winning French film composer and conductor, Alexandre Desplat who also scored for Fantastic Mr Fox, Grand Budapest Hotel, The Rising Moon KingdomAnd French deliverycompose music for Asteroid City.
When to shoot in Asteroid City?
This project has been in the works since 2020 and principal photography is taking place between August and October 2021, at various locations in Spain.
What is the Story of Asteroid City?
Like most of Anderson’s stories, Asteroid City is also set in a fictitious yet vibrant setting where strangers meet and bring about transformative changes in each other’s lives, through comedy, romance and drama.
In 1955, a large group of students and their parents gathered from across the country to join the Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention, which was being held in a desert town. The idea is to bring people together through rest and recreation, scientific competitions and other entertainment activities. But this busy schedule is interrupted by “unspecified events” that will change the world and the lives of people, especially those attending the convention.
The official synopsis via Focus Features reads:
The itineraries of the Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention (held to bring together students and parents from around the country for scientific fellowships and competitions) are spectacularly disrupted by a world-changing event.