The Unconventional World of Wes Anderson's Asteroid City Set

Asteroid City, directed by Wes Anderson, presents an idyllic 1955 American desert community that is disrupted by a cataclysmic event. The community was supposed to host a Junior Stargazer convention, but this was derailed due to the aforementioned incident, which claimed the lives of every resident. However, despite the boldness of the story, the film remains faithful to Anderson’s trademark style, featuring his distinct aesthetic and dry writing. Anderson’s penchant for working with a consistent group of actors is also evident in Asteroid City, with several cast members from his 2021 film The French Dispatch making a return. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Stephen Park, a comedian and former In Living Color actor, spoke about his experience working with Anderson and how enjoyable it was to be part of his orbit.

Asteroid City Combines Plenty of Wesworld Veterans and Newcomers

Stephen Park compares the experiences of working in sketch comedy and on a Wes Anderson movie. He describes sketch comedy as tense due to the level of competition among performers. However, he also reflects on the fun of working on In Living Color and being around incredibly funny people. Working with Wes Anderson, on the other hand, is more relaxed and supportive. Park notes that everyone is already extremely talented, so there is no need to work too hard. Instead, they are able to naturally be their own brilliant selves and absorb the unique atmosphere of "Wesworld."

Wesworld, the fictional universe created by director Wes Anderson, is expanding even further in Asteroid City. The character guide for the city reveals that Anderson's frequent collaborators continue to play a significant role in the universe. However, there are also some new faces such as Tom Hanks, Steve Carell, Hope Davis, and Maya Hawke, who blend in perfectly with the whimsical world of Wes Anderson. Fans will also be pleased to know that Jason Schwartzman, Edward Norton, and Adrien Brody are back once again, bringing their unique quirkiness that complements the director's style.

A select few actors were fortunate enough to be brought into the cast of Asteroid City directly from their first-time collaborations on The French Dispatch. Among them are Stephen Park, Jeffrey Wright, and Rupert Friend, who will also appear in Anderson's upcoming film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. This is a testament to the mutual admiration and trust between the director and his actors, as they eagerly return to work with him once again. It is possible that we may see these talented performers in future Wes Anderson productions after their work on Asteroid City.