Everything We Know About Paul Thomas Anderson’s Next Film

Paul Thomas Anderson, who we all know from films like Boogie Night and There Will Be Blood, is one of the most acclaimed contemporary directors. Over the course of his career, he has created an almost unparalleled level of consistent brilliance throughout his filmography. 

His last film, Licorice Pizza, was a critical success, earning numerous accolades and further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller. The film’s unique blend of nostalgia, romance, and humour, set against the backdrop of the 1970s San Fernando Valley, showcased Anderson’s ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.

Now, the film world is abuzz with anticipation for Anderson’s next project. While details remain largely under wraps, the tidbits of information that have emerged paint an intriguing picture. This article aims to compile all the available information about Anderson’s upcoming project, from its production status and cast to plot speculations and rumours. As we eagerly await more details, let’s delve into what we know so far about this highly anticipated film.


Paul Thomas Anderson on set with a dog

Production Status

The production of Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming film, which is backed by Warner Bros, has been significantly impacted by the ongoing writer’s strike. Initially, the film was set to begin production in July 2023. However, the start date has been postponed to February 2024 due to the strike. This delay has raised concerns about the film’s timeline and the potential impact on the cast’s schedules.

The writer’s strike has delayed the production and halted progress on the film. The strike rules prevent any changes to the script during production, a practice that Anderson often employs. Despite these challenges, Anderson has expressed his support for the strike, indicating his commitment to the rights of writers in the industry.

The Cast

The film’s cast is rumoured to include a stellar lineup of actors. Names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Viggo Mortensen, Regina Hall, Rachael Taylor, Vicky Krieps, Taylor Paige, Samson Harris, and Jack Champion have been associated with the project. However, it’s important to note that Joaquin Phoenix, who was initially linked to the film, is no longer part of the project.

The delay in production due to the writer’s strike could potentially lead to scheduling conflicts for the cast. This could result in changes in the cast lineup. The idea of PTA working with Leo DiCaprio is very exciting as the two titans haven’t yet worked together, which is odd considering DiCaprio’s attraction to working with celebrated auteurs.


Paul Thomas Anderson on set with Daniel Day Lewis

The Plot

While the specifics of the plot remain a mystery, there are speculations that the film might be an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland.” This theory is further supported by a casting call posted by PTA’s producer and casting director, Cassandra Kulukundis, who is looking for a “teenage girl who excels at Martial Arts,” a detail that aligns with the novel’s plot.

The potential adaptation of “Vineland” is an exciting prospect, considering PTA’s previous successful adaptation of Pynchon’s “Inherent Vice.” However, until official confirmation, these remain speculations. The secrecy surrounding the plot only adds to the anticipation for the film.

Rumours and Speculations

As with any upcoming production with a lot of expectation surrounding it, there are swirls of speculation and rumours. In the case of PTA’s new film, unconfirmed reports suggest the director might have started shooting his new film in Mexico. This rumour, originating from the Paul Thomas Anderson subreddit, suggests that PTA might have begun production despite the strike.

While this information should be taken with a grain of salt, it does add an interesting dimension to the narrative surrounding the film. The possibility of PTA shooting in Mexico also aligns with the “Vineland” theory, as parts of the novel are set in Mexico.

The Music

Music often plays a crucial role in PTA’s films, and this one is no exception. There are rumours that Johnny Greenwood, a frequent collaborator with Anderson, will be composing the score for the film. Greenwood’s previous work with Anderson has been highly praised, making this a promising aspect of the film.

The collaboration between Anderson and Greenwood has resulted in some of the most memorable film scores in recent years. If the rumours are true, fans can look forward to another captivating soundtrack that enhances the film’s storytelling.

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As we await more details about Paul Thomas Anderson’s new film, this article provides a comprehensive look at what we know. Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

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