Paul Thomas Anderson may already have his next movie lined up. The acclaimed filmmaker has reportedly chosen his new project, according to his longtime collaborator Jonny Greenwood. The composer says he is working on music for the upcoming film and learning a new instrument that will be “central” to it.
The update suggests Anderson could return to filmmaking sooner than expected. His next movie has not been officially revealed, but the long-rumored 1940s jazz film remains a strong possibility. Denzel Washington and Tiffany Haddish have previously been linked to the project.
What do we know about PTA’s long-rumored jazz film?
Anderson’s next movie is still a mystery, but Greenwood’s comments suggest that the director has finally settled on a project. In an interview with Screen Daily, the composer said, “Paul is getting close to pressing the button on the next film.” He also revealed that he has already started learning an instrument for the movie.
Greenwood added that Anderson “had a few ideas” but believes he has now “chosen one.” The composer also noted that the filmmaker “seems to be gaining momentum again.” Greenwood pointed to Licorice Pizza as an example of Anderson moving quickly, despite his reputation for taking years between projects.
The jazz film remains one of the strongest possibilities. The director of One Battle After Another has reportedly been developing the project for years. The story is said to be set in the 1940s and will focus on Los Angeles’ “Little Harlem,” an African-American arts and music community centered around the Hotel Dunbar in South Central Los Angeles.
Denzel Washington has previously been linked to the project after confirming that he met with Anderson. Tiffany Haddish has also been connected to the movie and previously discussed the possibility of working with the filmmaker. However, they have not been officially confirmed to appear in Anderson’s next project.
Still, the jazz film is not confirmed as Anderson’s next project. Another possibility involves crime novelist Chester Himes, whose work PTA has admired. A Rage in Harlem, published in 1957, could also be a fit for the filmmaker’s reported interests.
For now, Greenwood’s comments are the biggest clue about Anderson’s plans. There is no release date yet, but the filmmaker appears to have chosen his next project.
