Following a series of award-season favorites, including The Brutalist, Anora, and A Different Man, A24 is gearing up for another significant year. The studio plans to release Alex Garland‘s Civil War follow-up, Warfare, Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, and a new film from Hereditary and Midsommar filmmaker Ari Aster. Aster’s latest project, Eddington, is a Western that is eyeing a summer release following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The film features a star-studded cast that includes Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal, Emma Stone, and Austin Butler.
As reported by Variety, Eddington will be showcased at the European Film Market in Berlin this month, potentially making it Aster’s first title to premiere at the prestigious Cannes Festival. This highly anticipated film marks the sixth collaboration between A24 and Aster’s Square Peg, reuniting him with Phoenix after the film Beau Is Afraid. Although specific details about the plot of Eddington have remained somewhat under wraps, the film continues to attract considerable attention, promising an intriguing exploration of the Western genre.
The IMDb description of Eddington sheds light on its premise, stating it revolves around a couple stranded in a small New Mexico town during the pandemic. Initially welcomed, the town reveals a darker side by nightfall, showcasing Aster’s ability to blend tension with character-driven storytelling. Phoenix plays the role of a sheriff with greater ambitions, adding depth to the narrative that unfolds during these trying times.
The excitement surrounding Eddington isn’t confined to its plot alone. Austin Butler shared his enthusiasm about working on the film with The Hollywood Reporter, expressing, “I’m a huge fan of Ari and Joaquin [Phoenix] and Emily [Emma Stone] and [DP] Darius Khondji and everybody involved. The entire team was incredible to work with. I don’t want to give much away as far as the story and character go, but it was a wild adventure that I got to go on.” Butler’s perspective highlights the collaborative spirit on set, emphasizing Aster’s creativity and the camaraderie of the actors involved.
A24 has carved out a unique space for itself in the film industry, consistently pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. Even as traditional studios falter, A24’s slate of upcoming films is both exciting and promising. The studio will soon release Opus, starring Ayo Edebiri and John Malkovich, on March 14, following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival. Opus focuses on a young writer covering the mysterious story of a disappeared music icon, while another horror comedy titled Death of a Unicorn, featuring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, is on the horizon.
The forthcoming summer release of Eddington promises to deliver a compelling narrative, enriched by the talents of actors like Emma Stone and Joaquin Phoenix. As anticipation builds for the Cannes premiere and beyond, A24 continues to demonstrate its commitment to quality storytelling and innovative filmmaking, captivating audiences worldwide.
