Bill Murray and Michael Cera on for New Wes Anderson Movie

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(Left) Bill Murray as Frank Cross in ‘Scrooged.’ Photo: Paramount Pictures. (Right) Michael Cera in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.’ Photo Universal Pictures.

Preview:

Wes Anderson is locking in the cast for his next movie.
Bill Murray, Michael Cera and Benicio Del Toro are the first people added.
Roman Coppola worked on the script with the director.

Having brought us not just his latest movie, ‘Asteroid City’, but four short films based on the work of Roald Dahl last year, Wes Anderson could easily just take 2024 off. But he’s already got a new film in the works, and now, via World of Reel, we know that Bill Murray and Michael Cera are aboard to star, alongside Benicio Del Toro, who was previously announced.

Not Yet Rated

Described as a father-daughter espionage story with a darker tone than usual for Anderson. Premise TBA. Read the Plot

What’s the story of Wes Anderson’s next movie?

Writer/director Wes Anderson on the set of ‘Asteroid City,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Roger Do Minh/Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features

Anderson, who apparently finished the script (working alongside occasional collaborator Roman Coppola) before last year’s writers’ strike, has been keeping the details close to his chest.

But in an interview with Le Monde last June, Anderson did spill a little bit about it, including divulging a reunion with Benicio Del Toro, who appeared in the director’s ‘The French Dispatch’:

“My next feature film will be linear, with Benicio Del Toro in every shot. I can’t tell you much more than that except that it will be about espionage, a father-daughter relationship, and, let’s say, with a rather dark tone.”

Who will appear in the new Wes Anderson movie?

Benicio del Toro as Tom Nichols in 'Reptile.'

With Del Toro already confirmed, Murray is hardly a surprise. He’s worked on nine of Anderson’s movies and bowed out of ‘Asteroid City’ because of a combination of scheduling issues and complaints against his behavior on another movie. It would seem that despite those complaints, Anderson is only too happy to stick by him.

Michael Cera would be a new recruit to the director’s extensive troupe, but we can certainly see him fitting in with the quirky, mannered style that is as much a part of Anderson’s canon as his perfectly composed frames.

Anderson had intended to start shooting the movie last fall, but he had to delay because of the actors’ strike. The plan is now to kick off filming later in the spring.

While this latest project is reportedly going to feature a much smaller cast than the sprawling ensemble of ‘Asteroid City’, we’d expect to learn of at least a few more additions in the coming months.

When will Wes Anderson’s new movie be in theaters?

As of right now, there’s no word on a release date for the movie. Could he have this one done in time for awards season? We’d have our doubts, but anything is possible at this point.

(L to R) Writer/director Wes Anderson, actor Jason Schwartzman and actor Tom Hanks on the set of ‘Asteroid City,’ a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of Roger Do Minh/Pop. 87 Productions/Focus Features.