A reader, who studies film at Tel Aviv University, attended a virtual talk with Paul Thomas Anderson last night. They gave me some details of the talk, but let’s zero in on the new film …
When someone asked PTA about his next project, the filmmaker said he hopes to shoot a film in late January (strike depending). The setting is contemporary. Production locations will take place in California, Mexico, and Texas.
This past June, I had reported that PTA was seen location scouting in Mexico, so this adds up. He was also spotted in Texas for a few days. He’s been working on this film for quite a while now, plot details have been kept secret.
This past Spring, an assortment of rumors were circling around this project. I had it confirmed that Leonardo Dicaprio was being eyed for a role. There was additional intel, via Jeff Sneider, of Viggo Mortensen and Joaquin Phoenix potentially taking part as well. Regina Hall and Rachael Taylor had also been offered roles.
This mysterious new PTA has been set up at Warner Bros. It was supposed to shoot in the fall, but, for obvious reasons, got delayed and seems to now be eyeing a production start in January.
If the setting is “contemporary”, does this mean it’s not Thomas Pynchon’s “Vineland”? That novel takes place in 1984. Then again, if you want the actual definition of “contemporary” then it’s 1945 to present …
PTA has directed nine films, including “There Will Be Blood,” “Magnolia,” “Boogie Nights” and “The Master.” His last film was 2021’s “Licorice Pizza.”
