Along with Quentin Tarantino, New York filmmaker Woody Allen is responsible for reigniting the careers of many actors with his quirky, neurotic brand of dramedy. The prolific writer-director has churned out one feature a year for decades, each honing in on a particular aspect of the human condition brought to life through his talent-packed ensembles. While at times his output veers wildly from critical smash to critical flop, that hasn’t stopped him from continuing to attract a wealth of Hollywood big hitters.
Now, his stellar track record for A-listers looks to continues with his next flick, which will boast Bruce Willis, Jesse Eisenberg and Kristen Stewart as part of its starry line-up. Specific details of the movie are being kept strictly under wraps, with only producer credits being revealed. Allen’s long-serving team of producers, Letty Arsonson, Stephen Tenenbaum and Edward Walson, will reprise their familiar roles alongside the helmer, who is back writing and directing.
For Willis in particular, this may offer him a springboard into a wider variety of roles. After his initial career reboot came in 1994’s Pulp Fiction, the action star has delivered several standard genre offerings. That’s nothing to complain about, of course, as Willis’ built-in brand of machismo is one of his most well-known traits. That being said, this shift into character-driven material might be the thing to propel him into a weightier future, as evidenced by his future co-star Kristen Stewart.
Speaking of which, finally eschewing the shackles of the Twilight franchise, Stewart has recently emerged as one of the most underrated actors of her generation. In the last few years, she’s knocked out dynamite performances in Camp X-Ray, Still Alice and as Juliette Binoche’s underling in Clouds Of Sils Maria. For the latter role she won the Best Supporting Actress Cesar Award in France last month – the first time an American has ever bagged the prestigious honor.
Rounding out the trio is indie darling Jesse Eisenberg. His attachment will find him reunited with both Allen and Stewart; he appeared in the director’s 2011 comedy To Rome With Love and alongside Stewart in 2009’s Adventureland and the upcoming American Ultra.
Bridging the gap until the untitled 2015 project lands is Woody Allen‘s forthcoming dramedy, Irrational Man. Starring Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix, it arrives in theaters on July 24th.
