Wes Anderson's 'Moonrise Kingdom' Begins Filming, Gets Picked Up By Focus Features

by Cory Everett
May 3, 2011 1:35 AM
10 Comments

Film Finalizes Cast With Newcomers Jared Gilman & Kara Hayward

Hard to believe, but it's been nearly four years since we've seen a live-action Wes Anderson film (though his stop-motion adaptation of "Fantastic Mr. Fox" did help fill the void). Well, fans of the director shouldn't have to wait too much longer because filming has already begun on his next project, "Moonrise Kingdom," in Rhode Island. Set in the '60s on an island off the coast of New England, the film assembles perhaps his most impressive cast to date (or at least since "The Royal Tenenbaums"), including Anderson first-timers Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton as well as Anderson regulars Bill Murray and Jason Schwartzman. Also confirmed are the 12-year-old boy and girl at the center of the film, newcomers Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward. The script is penned by Anderson himself and "The Darjeeling Limited" co-writer Roman Coppola, and will be Anderson's first period piece.

And to top off this good news, Focus Features has picked up the international distribution rights for the film (just in time to sell the foreign rights at Cannes). This will be the first film of Anderson's to be distributed by Focus. His first feature, "Bottle Rocket," was distributed by Columbia, with "Rushmore," 'Tenenbaums' and "The Life Aquatic" all at Touchstone/Disney, and his most recent efforts 'Darjeeling' and 'Fox' released by Fox Searchlight. The picture will be his third film produced by Indian Paintbrush, who also produced and co-financed his last two efforts, and fifth collaboration with producer Scott Rudin, who has helped out on everything since 'Tenenbaums.' While we haven't loved every one of Anderson's recent efforts, it seems like he's trying to shake things up a bit with his new film and that's definitely something we're excited about. Check out the full synopsis for the film below.

Set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, Moonrise Kingdom follows a young boy and girl falling in love. When they are moved to run away together, various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down – which might not be such a bad thing. Bruce Willis plays the town sheriff; two-time Academy Award nominee Edward Norton is cast as a camp leader; Academy Award nominee Bill Murray and Academy Award winner Frances McDormand portray the young girl’s parents; the cast also includes Academy Award winner Tilda Swinton and Jason Schwartzman. The young boy and girl are played by Jared Gilman and Kara Hayward.

Owen Wilson was coy about his involvement with the film a few months back and while there's still no confirmation here, we wouldn't be surprised to see him pop up in a small role. Also released recently is a call for background actors in Rhode Island that includes 12-14 year old boys with sailing/canoeing experience, knowledge of Morse code and a pair of "salty fisherman" aged 70 years or older. With this sudden flood of information, fans of the director should practically be able to start building the film in their heads.

"Moonrise Kingdom" is now filming for a probable 2012 release.

More: Films, Film Studios, Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom, Focus Features

10 Comments

| Reply
Newport Guy | June 16, 2011 1:27 AMReply

Here are some good photos from the Newport, RI set.

http://www.newport-now.com/2011/06/15/storm-brews-stars-come-out-as-‘moonrise’-films-at-trinity/#more-18691
Ferg | May 4, 2011 4:27 AMReply

Early bet on obligatory British Invasion song for slow-mo closing scene:
"This Will Be Our Year" by the Zombies"
zxcvb | May 3, 2011 12:44 PMReply

I did Andrei Rublev. This is Andrei Tarkovsky's ghost.

Also:

1) Maybe I'm a plumber and not interested in making films. I mean, I love music and I don't want to start a band or compose symphonies. Or maybe I do want to make films and in ten years, I'll be a great filmmaker. Who knows?

2) By your logic, let's not criticize George W.Bush. When were YOU ever president, man? I'd like to see what country you were the leader of. Great argument, dude!
Fitzgerald | May 3, 2011 9:50 AMReply

"last two live-action trainwrecks." I love it when some hack has yet to make anything near the caliber of what Wes has been able to accomplish yet attempt to harshly trash his work..."zxcvb" seems like a douche who probably will not respond to this post, but in case you do, provide us with some of your work idiot.
karina | May 3, 2011 8:35 AMReply

Amen!... Wes Anderson has saved my movie library.
zxcvb | May 3, 2011 6:57 AMReply

Sounds like a step in the right direction -- grounding his big ensemble comedy in a simple love/coming-of-age story. Should keep the twee from destroying the film.

I don't expect Rushmore-like greatness ever again, but if this can approach The Royal Tenenbaums, Wes will be forgiven ("You are forgiiiiven!" sorry) for his last two live-action trainwrecks.
liana | May 3, 2011 6:37 AMReply

I'm happy for Edward Norton, needs to be in more.
Ken | May 3, 2011 4:08 AMReply

Moonrise Kingdom is such a great movie title, i love it. And the premise is quite intriguing
tony | May 3, 2011 3:18 AMReply

not to sound like a whiny bitch, but is there any way the "continue reading" tab could be a drop down? It would make viewing this page on mobile devices a million times easier...and yes, looking VERY forward to the new Anderson film!
rodie | May 3, 2011 2:47 AMReply

Can. Not. Wait.