As Paul Thomas Anderson shoots his untitled new movie, the film‘s ensemble cast continues to take shape with a mixture of returning Anderson collaborators and new faces.
IndieWire has confirmed that five new actors have been added to the project, including “Licorice Pizza” star Alana Haim, “A Thousand and One” standout Teyana Taylor, Shayna McHale, Wood Harris, and newcomer Chase Infiniti. The news was first reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The actors join a cast headlined by Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, and Sean Penn. Penn also appeared alongside Haim in “Licorice Pizza.”
Anderson is known for repeatedly collaborating with the same actors, so the addition of Haim (whom he has also directed in several music videos) will not be surprising to his fans. The film’s growing cast suggests that audiences could be in for another large ensemble piece from Anderson in the vein of “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” or “Licorice Pizza.”
It is not uncommon for Anderson to work in secrecy, but the lengthy development process prompted endless speculation about how he would follow his 2021 hit “Licorice Pizza,” which earned him three Oscar nominations. Plot details about the new project have been kept under wraps, though the Warner Bros. film has been described as having a “contemporary” setting. Anderson wrote the script and is producing alongside Sara Murphy and Adam Somner.
The film is also believed to be the most commercial project of Anderson’s career. No production timeline or release date has been announced.
Reporting by Ryan Lattanzio.
