Wes Anderson is about to delight audiences again with Asteroid City, a 1950s era romantic comedy/drama set in a fictitious desert town where a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention is being held. Chaos ensues when a “world changing event” causes the attendees to be quarantined there together.

Tom Hanks, Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Margo Robbie and Hong Chau star in a large, familiar ensemble cast (and maybe some aliens). Bill Murray (a long time favorite in Anderson’s films) is conspicuously absent due to contracting Covid-19 before the shoot.

Wes Anderson directs a screenplay he wrote based on a story by himself and Roman Coppola. The plot has been kept under wraps but is said to reflect on the meaning of life. That’s enough to cause a snicker but knowing Anderson he will deliver on exactly that premise.

In a move that is gaining in popularity among screenwriters, (securing copyright, or most probably shared copyright, to the book before the movie drops) Anderson’s hardcover version (published by Faber & Faber) is available on pre-order now from Target, of all places.

Here’s the thumbnail from Anderson’s book, which gives us at least a little more insight into the story. It was subsequently deleted from the retail site so you might call this a scoop. 😊

The limited release of Asteroid City drops in theatres June 16, 2023.