The Hilarious Moment That Almost Didn't Make it to Asteroid City
Hope Davis brings hilarity to Asteroid City with her unforgettable zinger, proving her comedic timing and wit Discover why her presence was essential to the film's success in Why Asteroid City Needed More Hope Davis
Wes Anderson's latest creation, Asteroid City, is a masterpiece that stands out even among his unique body of work. Set in a 1955 American desert town during a Junior Stargazer convention, the film is a triumph of layered storytelling that showcases Anderson's bold visual style and singular voice. With a cast of new and returning collaborators, the film is a tour de force of cinematic artistry.
One of Anderson's new collaborators is Hope Davis, who plays the character Sandy Borden. Though she has limited screen time, Davis delivers a memorable performance that steals the show with a single line. In a scene from the Asteroid City trailer, Sandy has a conversation with Scarlett Johansson's character, Midge Campbell, about her latest film, during which she quips, "I don't know why nobody else liked it." In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Davis revealed that this devastating yet hilarious line almost didn't make it into the film.
Why Asteroid City Needed More Hope Davis
: During the filming process, Wes surprised the cast with a new scene featuring Sandy, which he had written two-thirds of the way through shooting. He presented the scene to the cast at the dinner table one evening, folded up like a little note. Upon reading the scene, the line "I don't know why nobody else liked it" struck a chord with the actors, as they had all experienced similar criticism in their careers. It was a relatable moment that added depth to Sandy's character.
Apart from Davis’ brilliant one-liner, her expanded role in Asteroid City proves to be a valuable addition to the movie. Sandy, Davis’ character, is the mother of one of the Junior Stargazers who plays a crucial role in the storyline. The interactions between these young Stargazers and their exhausted parents provide a consistent source of entertainment, and Davis’ acting skills shine through in each of these scenes. She flawlessly delivers Wes Anderson’s signature humor, making it seem like she has been working with the director for years.
Given Davis' extensive experience, it's no surprise that she seamlessly immerses herself into the world of a new filmmaker. Her most recent appearance was in the series finale of Succession, where she played a recurring character. Despite the stark differences between Succession and Wes Anderson's latest project, there is a subtle current of humor present in both. This matter-of-fact tone is reminiscent of some of the best one-liners found in Asteroid City.
