Michel Franco Has Already Shot His Next Film, Which He’s Currently Editing

Michel Franco has quietly been working on a new film. The Mexican director, best known for films like “After Lucia,” “New Order,” and “Memory, “ revealed to Variety that that his next film isn’t just in development—it’s already been shot and is currently in the editing phase.

“I already shot it and I’m editing now,” he says, almost offhandedly.

This is typical Franco: efficient, methodical, and fiercely independent. Where many directors might spend years caught in the churn of development hell, Franco moves with quiet precision. There’s no buildup.

“I enjoy making films, that’s for sure,” he says. “But that joy would go away if the process took too long. I like editing, but I don’t need two years to do it like some colleagues. If they make a masterpiece, good for them. But for me, it’s fun when it’s a compact process.”

There’s no word yet on what the new film is about, who stars in it, or when it might premiere—though if Franco’s rhythm holds, it could quietly surface at Venice or Toronto before the end of the year. Jessica Chastain has starred in Franco’s last two films, and last year they had hinted at a third one, maybe this is it.

What’s clear is that he’s working at his own pace, outside of the Hollywood system, and on projects that seem to emerge fully formed. It’s the kind of low-profile, high-output model that recalls directors like Hong Sang-soo or the late Claude Chabrol.

“I’ve never worked in Hollywood, and I never will,” Franco says. “I’d lose my freedom. I’ve worked too hard to find my voice. Why would I give that up? For money? I don’t love money that much.”

Whatever the next Franco film ends up being, expect a festival rollout. Chances are we might even get to see it later this fall, which is hopefully when his Berlinale-premiered “Dreams,” starring Jessica Chastain, will hit theaters.