The release of Wes Anderson’s latest movie is just a few weeks away, and Focus Features have released a trio of Asteroid City character posters. They feature Tom Hanks (making his Wes Anderson movie debut), Scarlett Johansson, and Jason Schwartzman.
Written by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, Asteroid City is said to be a “poetic meditation on the meaning of life.” Set in a fictional American desert town circa 1955 and its Junior Stargazer convention, the film brings together students and parents from across the country for scholarly competition, rest and recreation, comedy, drama, romance and more, before being spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events. As you can see in the poster, the stacked cast of Asteroid City includes Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jeffrey Wright, Tilda Swinton, Bryan Cranston, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody, Liev Schreiber, Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Matt Dillon, Hong Chau, Willem Dafoe, Margot Robbie, Tony Revolori, Jake Ryan, Grace Edwards, Aristou Meehan, Sophia Lillis, Ethan Lee, Jeff Goldblum, Rita Wilson and many more. With such a sprawling cast, we’re sure to have more Asteroid City character posters on the way.
Focus Features also have a couple Asteroid City events planned. Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles will be transformed into a real-life Asteroid City for a two-week immersive experience. With set re-creations, props and costumes from the film, the public will be able to explore the titular town. The concession area will also be transformed into a 1950s luncheonette seen in the movie, with interactive elements spread throughout.
Lisa Bunnell, President of Distribution at Focus Features, said, “Watching a Wes Anderson movie is an incredibly unique experience that can often feel like you’re stepping into an entirely new universe. We’re excited to partner with our friends at Landmark Theatres to bring his newest film to life with this pop-up and give fans the opportunity to experience a bit of Wes’ magic in person.” The Asteroid City pop-up will begin on June 15th with a preview screening of the movie, which will play on all five years for the first two weeks of its theatrical run. In addition to standard admission tickets, fans can also purchase a premium experience ticket which will include a movie ticket, an exclusive t-shirt, and concessions.
The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema also has some fun plans in store for the release of Asteroid City. An advanced screening of the film will be held on June 12th, with guests of the Brooklyn theater being treated to an appearance by Wes Anderson and members of the cast for a live conversation. The event will be live-streamed to other Alamo theaters. There will also be a special, celebratory beer from Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, limited edition Asteroid City vintage themed lunchbox and thermos sets, Chili Supper Screenings featuring a custom Asteroid City themed menu, and custom-designed letterpress postcard giveaways on opening weekend.
“The magical, whimsical worlds Wes Anderson has created in his movies have been touchstones for our off-centered brand throughout the years,” said Dogfish Head Brewer & Founder, Sam Calagione. “Wes’s work inspires us, and this vibrant and refreshing beer is a liquid celebration of this new frontier Wes and the whole Team behind ‘Asteroid City’ has created.“
Asteroid City recently had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival where it received fairly positive reviews. The film will be released in select theaters on June 16th, before a wide release on June 23rd.