Yorgos Lanthimos has developed his own distinct style as a filmmaker by specialising in films that are at once deeply absurdist, comically dismal, and unexpectedly moving. To my knowledge, no other contemporary director has captured such a singular vision. However, the writer-evolution director’s self-definition is only going to accelerate as he pursues ever-greater artistic and intellectual challenges. And now, Searchlight Pictures has given the go-ahead for production to begin next month in New Orleans on Lanthimos’s next feature.
No information has been released, but we do know that the director has assembled another all-star ensemble, including Emma Stone, who will be working with the director for the fourth time. According to Deadline, Lanthimos isn’t spending any time planning his next movie, which will feature the return of some familiar faces. Stone and Lanthimos created a great team while filming The Favourite, and it’s evident they had a good time working together. The Oscar-winning actress starred in Poor Things, set to be released in 2023, and in BLEAT, a silent short film that made its world debut at the Greek National Opera earlier this year.
There’s no knowing (yet) what their next picture will include, but judging from Stone’s previous work with Lanthimos (The Favourite) and what we know about BLEAT (via AP), Stone enjoys the expressionism, daring, and difficulties that come very freely under Lanthimos’ vision. In addition to Jesse Plemons, who will be working with Lanthimos for the first time, the cast includes Willem Dafoe, who co-starred with Lanthimos in Poor Things, and Margaret Qualley, who also stars in this new project. Co-written by Lanthimos and Efthimis Filippou, the film will be produced by the director with Element Pictures’ Kaisa Malipan, Ed Guiney, and Andrew Lowe.
Film4 will be a co-financier, and everyone involved seems excited to make this intriguing movie. Filmmakers Element, Searchlight, and Film4 are hoping to build on the success of The Favourite and Poor Things by creating another original and thought-provoking feature.
The presidents of Searchlight Pictures, David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, had this to say about the forthcoming film: Yorgos’s work has always been a highlight for us at Searchlight, and this is another groundbreaking endeavour that cements his reputation for innovation.
The fact that we get to work with Element and Film4 again, not to mention Emma, Willem, Jesse, and Margaret, is a cherry on top. With filming set to begin in a couple of weeks, we’ll undoubtedly have a better idea of what to expect from Lanthimos’ next feature. Nonetheless, if this film and the director’s next Poor Things are half as exciting and risky as his or her past works, then we may be in for another victory from the original storyteller. We will, of course, keep you informed as additional information becomes available about this exciting new venture.
A premiere date for Poor Things has not yet been set for 2023. More so, And will likely make its debut in 2024.