Woody Allen’s New Movie Sets October 5 Start Date in Madrid With $12M Budget

It’s been confirmed by El Mundo that Woody Allen’s next film will begin shooting in Madrid on October 5, after the project was delayed from its originally planned start this spring.

The movie, whose title must include Madrid, a cording to the agreement, will be shot entirely in that city and written and directed by Allen.

The project has significant public backing. The Community of Madrid is contributing €1.5 million, while the Madrid City Council is providing another €1.5 million. Together, the public contributions represent nearly 15% of the film’s estimated $12M budget.

Plot details and casting have yet to be revealed for this mysterious film. It’ll be interesting to see if Allen supporters, and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” stars, Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz, will appear in this project; there’s certainly a plausible chance that could happen. Also, will it be in Spanish?

Allen’s last film came in 2023, “Coup de Chance,” the 50th film hes directed, and which 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 recently told journalist Roger Friedman that he hopes to shoot another film in New York, but he’s having “real trouble” securing financing. He hasn’t filmed in the United States since the #MeToo allegation resurfaced via Mia and Ronan Farrow. Over the past seven years, he has instead set his stories in Paris, San Sebastián and now, Madrid.

There are too many great films to name in Allen’s repertoire. An artist whom William Friedkin called “the greatest living director,” his most notable works include “Annie Hall, Manhattan,” “Broadway Danny Rose,” “Hannah and Her Sisters,” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.”