The year 2025 is gearing up to be a monumental one for acclaimed actor Ralph Fiennes. Following the critical success of Edward Berger‘s gripping thriller Conclave, which delves into the complexities of papal selection, Fiennes is poised to make a strong bid for his inaugural Oscar. This comes as he takes on a pivotal role in the highly anticipated sequel to the iconic film 28 Days Later, titled 28 Years Later, where he will portray the enigmatic Dr. Kelson. This thrilling new chapter in a planned trilogy is expected to leave audiences on the edge of their seats when it debuts this summer. However, before the awards season and the post-apocalyptic narrative unfold, fans can look forward to a classic: The Grand Budapest Hotel will be available for streaming on Hulu starting February 1.
Under the masterful direction of Wes Anderson, The Grand Budapest Hotel is set against the backdrop of the 1930s, a peak era for the fictional ski resort managed by the charming concierge Gustave H. (played by Fiennes) in the whimsical mountains of Zubrowka, a fictional Eastern European country. The narrative follows Gustave as he forms a close bond with a young illegal refugee, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori), who becomes both his protégé and ally in a series of unforgettable escapades. Gustave’s world unravels when one of his romantic interests mysteriously passes away, leaving him a priceless artwork in her will, while simultaneously entangling him in a murder investigation. This sets off a whirlwind of events, including a daring prison escape, a high-stakes heist, and a frantic race against the wealthy dowager’s vengeful son and the hired assassin, all amidst the looming threat of a fascist invasion.
Known for his distinctive style and vibrant color palettes, Wes Anderson‘s The Grand Budapest Hotel showcases his artistic flair through meticulously crafted, symmetrical cinematography and a striking pastel color scheme that captivates viewers instantly. Although Anderson boasts a portfolio of critically acclaimed films, this 2014 masterpiece is frequently celebrated as one of his finest works, accumulating four Academy Awards, a nomination for Best Picture, and an impressive 92% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Interestingly, despite his outstanding performance, Fiennes did not receive a Best Actor nomination, which underscores the film’s significance in his illustrious career, alongside powerful roles in Schindler’s List and The Constant Gardener. The film features a star-studded cast, including Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Mathieu Amalric, Jeff Goldblum, Harvey Keitel, Bill Murray, Tom Wilkinson, Jason Schwartzman, Owen Wilson, among many others.
Discover Wes Anderson’s Upcoming Film Projects
After the successful release of Asteroid City in 2023, Wes Anderson is on the verge of unveiling his next cinematic venture, The Phoenician Scheme. Filming wrapped up in June, but details surrounding the project remain largely under wraps, apart from its impressive ensemble cast and the promise of a visually stunning experience akin to Anderson’s previous works. Co-written with Roman Coppola, the film is expected to feature a roster of Anderson’s regular collaborators, including Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston. Additionally, talents such as Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, and Rupert Friend are also set to make appearances. While a definitive release date has yet to be announced, industry expectations suggest that audiences can anticipate its arrival in theaters later this year.
Mark your calendars for the arrival of The Grand Budapest Hotel on Hulu on February 1. Keep an eye on Collider for the latest updates and insights on the most exciting titles making their way to streaming platforms throughout the year.
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