A few months ago, word came out that Woody Allen was given millions in funding by the city of Madrid to shoot his next film. The plan was for a spring shoot, and the deal was that, given the city’s financing of the project, Allen would be obligated to include “Madrid” in the title of the film.
Pretty simple, right? Except the film has now been delayed. Spanish outlet Articulo14 is reporting a lack of communication from Allen and his team; their contacts are essentially ghosting the financiers. This silence has fueled doubts that the shoot may be postponed or even canceled, despite the fact that public funds have already been committed by the authorities.
The film, still without a fully confirmed title beyond its connection to the city, is part of an institutional agreement involving millions of euros in public investment. The goal of this funding is to promote tourism through cinema. Allen has until 2027 to make the film, per his contract.
Woody Allen, who recently turned 90, has a $14M budget for this film. Plot details and casting have been kept under wraps, which begs the question: is there even a script?
Curiously, when the project was first announced, Showbiz411’s Roger Friedman told me he had asked Allen whether he had any upcoming projects, and said the director replied that he did not. At the time, I remember finding that response strange, since it came just a few days after news broke of his Madrid-based film.
Allen’s last film, 2023’s “Coup de Chance,” which also happened to be the 50th of his directorial career, premiered at the Venice Film Festival. It was shot entirely in French and turned out to be one of the better efforts he’s given us over the past 10 years. It was also well received by critics, currently holding an 84% on Rotten Tomatoes — making it his best-reviewed film since 2013’s Blue Jasmine.
Allen has insisted he still has one more great film left in him, but that it would have to be shot in New York. Not too long ago, he even claimed it was “one of the best ideas” he’s ever had, and only needed proper funding to make it happen. That project is clearly not set in Madrid.
No surprise, “Practical Magic 2” is not doing well with critics. We all saw it coming. The first was also hammered with bad reviews. The only reason we’re getting a sequel is due to its cult base and ‘90s nostalgia.