Woody Allen to direct new film, tie new cast of actors in moral knots

Funding for Allen’s newer films has since come in fitful spurts and stops from agreeable countries that wish to see the director cast their locales in his particularly nostalgic autumnal light, investments that have, if nothing else, yielded some of his most languid, forgettable works to date. Now, Deadline reports that Spain, the backdrop to Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008) and Rifkin’s Festival (2021), is ponying up $1.7 million in cash for the latest untitled feature from the 90-year-old director, which is set to begin shooting in Madrid in October. However, this $1.7 million falls well short of the $14 million Deadline previously reported Allen’s film would require for its “largely English-language” production; the director and his producers are currently raising more cash.  

Details about Allen’s latest film are being kept under wraps, as is its reportedly “high-profile” cast, a list of actors who are doubtlessly preparing for the scores of side-eye they’re about to get on social media. Deadline does note that the financial agreement between Allen and the Madrid regional government, which is footing a portion of the bill, requires Allen to shoot in Madrid and include “Madrid” in the title. Here’s a suggestion: Madrid Follies?