Woody Allen's New Madrid-Set Comedy Reveals Cast and Intrigue

Celebrated filmmaker Woody Allen, at 90 years old, has unveiled his ambitious plans to shoot a new, still-untitled feature film in Madrid, marking his first time directing in the Spanish capital. During a press conference held in Madrid, attended by his actors Alexi Wasser and Peter Vives, Allen expressed his enthusiasm for the city, stating, “Madrid is a very elegant and beautiful city and perfect for the kind of atmosphere that I wanted for the story.” The film is described as a contemporary comedy interwoven with romance, intrigue, and infidelity, encompassing all the elements Allen believes are essential for a compelling narrative.

The project, provisionally titled “Woody Allen Fall Project 2026,” is slated to commence principal photography on October 5 in Madrid. It benefits from millions in public funding, contingent upon showcasing the Spanish capital prominently on screen. The Madrid City Council has stipulated that at least 15% of the film’s scenes must be shot in exteriors, ensuring the city’s cultural, architectural, and historical facets are easily recognizable. This commitment aligns with Allen's own sentiments, as he noted in an interview that Madrid's light, atmosphere, and streets were more influential in his choice than other potential benefits.

The film is a collaborative production effort involving veteran Spanish outfit Wanda Vision, Allen’s New York-based Gravier Productions, and Puerto Rico-based 3SIX9 Studios. WestEnd Films has recently joined as the world sales agent, continuing its long-standing partnership with Gravier Productions, having previously handled sales for films like “Coup de Chance.” Wanda Vision’s Miguel Morales, Madrid Mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida, and Madrid Community President Isabel Diaz Ayuso were present at the announcement, underscoring the project's significance for the region.

Miguel Morales revealed that shooting would span approximately six weeks across about 30 locations in Madrid and the World Heritage Site of Aranjuez. He also disclosed that initial discussions with Allen about filming in Spain had explored the Basque Country and the Canary Islands for their stronger tax incentives, but Allen personally insisted on Madrid. The production boasts a predominantly Spanish technical crew, including master cinematographer José Luis Alcaine, production designer Alain Bainée, costume designer Sonia Grande, first assistant director Daniela Ford, and production manager Teddy Villalba. Over 370 Spanish technicians are expected to contribute to the filming and post-production, with all work taking place in Madrid, except for the editing process.

The cast features a blend of international and Spanish talent. Peter Vives, known for roles in “Velvet” and “The Cheetah Girls 2,” will play a diplomat whose wife is the main character, teasing a “small cocktail” of Allen’s signature ingredients. Alexi Wasser, with credits in HBO Max’s “Girls” and “A Ghost Story,” shared her excitement, having revived her acting career after receiving Allen’s casting call, confessing to fainting twice due to her admiration for the filmmaker. They are joined by a distinguished ensemble including Marton Csokas (“The Lord of the Rings”), Jemima Kirke (“Girls”), and Jakob Oftebro (“Hamilton”).

When questioned about his approach to music for the film, Allen expressed his desire to incorporate local and appropriate Madrid-centric tunes, recalling his first visit to the city to play jazz. Addressing broader societal issues like the housing crisis and protests in Madrid, Allen maintained his long-held non-political stance, stating he offers no deeper insights than the average person on socio-political matters. He also reflected on his evolving filmmaking style, noting a shift towards more long shots as he aged, a technique appreciated by his actors for reducing the need for repeated close-up takes.

Despite the grueling nature of filmmaking and the changing dynamics of film distribution, Allen affirmed his decision not to retire. He found the prospect of telling this story in Madrid irresistibly exciting. This marks Allen’s third venture into filming in Spain, following “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008) and “Rifkin’s Festival” (2020), solidifying his appreciation for the country’s cinematic appeal.