For a filmmaker whose work we see every few years, Wes Anderson has made 2023 a double treat for fans. Following his highly anticipated Asteroid city This summer, the esteemed filmmaker is once again treating fans to his brand new short films, collectively titled Wes Anderson’s New Shorts on Netflix. The collection consists of four short films adapted from a famous author Roald Dahlare fantastic short stories that Anderson writes, directs and co-produces. The first of four films The wonderful story of Henry Sugarcomes from Dahl’s 1977 short story collection, The wonderful story of Henry Sugar and six otherswhich also forms the inspiration for the second film, The Swan. The third and fourth films, however The Pied Piper And Poisonare not part of this collection and are based on Dahl’s other independent works of the same name.
Image by Annamaria Ward
Each of Wes Anderson’s new short films on Netflix features a rotating cast of actors who would appear in different roles in each of the films. For example the first film – The wonderful story of Henry SugarStars Benedict Cumberbatch as the title character and Max Engelman while playing Harry in the fourth film. Similar, Ralph Fiennes, Dev Patel, Ben Kingsley, Rupert friendAnd Richard Ayoade will also appear in multiple roles.
These shorts represent Anderson’s second adaptation of Dahl’s work, following the critically acclaimed, Academy-nominated animated film. Fantastic Mr Fox from 2009. And now, 14 years later, with Wes Anderson’s New Shorts on Netflix, we can’t wait to recapture the nostalgic charm of Dahl’s stories in live action. So without further ado, check out our quick guide below on when and how to watch Wes Anderson’s new shorts on Netflix.
RELATED: ‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’: Cast, Plot, Release Date and Everything We Know About Wes Anderson’s Next Film
When will Wes Anderson’s short films premiere on Netflix?
Wes Anderson’s new short films on Netflix are set to release widely on streaming on September 27, 2023, with only “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar” appearing on the streamer initially, followed by each film each day.
After its world premiere at the 80th Venice International Film Festival on September 1, 2023 The wonderful story of Henry Sugar was released in limited theaters on September 20th.
Is there a trailer for Wes Anderson’s short films?
So far, Netflix has only released the trailer for the first of the four short films. The wonderful story of Henry Sugar. But that’s probably more than enough to know what to expect from the other three. As is typical of the filmmaker, the trailer is magical, dreamy and immersive, like walking through a storybook. The one-minute trailer brings Dahl’s fantastic stories to life through Anderson’s brilliant narrative and imagination, through stunning, vibrant art coupled with sardonic humor that seems to perfectly embody Dahl’s storytelling style and quirky characters.
When will the finale of Wes Anderson’s short films come to Netflix?
The last of the four short films, Poisonwill be released exclusively on Netflix on Saturday, September 30th.
Release schedule for Wes Anderson’s short films on Netflix
Image by Federico Napoli
Just like the author’s unique filmmaking style, the upcoming new short films will also receive an innovative release schedule. Unlike most anthologies that are released together as one film, Wes Anderson’s New Shorts on Netflix has one film available to stream per day, making it an exciting four-day event that should be on your watchlist.
Check out the plot and schedule for each movie per Netflix below –
The wonderful story of Henry Sugar (39 minutes): Wednesday, September 27, 2023
“A popular short story by Roald Dahl about a rich man who learns of a guru who can see without using his eyes, and then sets out to learn this skill in order to cheat at gambling.”
The Swan (17 minutes): Thursday, September 28, 2023
“A Roald Dahl short story for young adults about a small/intelligent boy who is ruthlessly pursued by two large/idiotic bullies.”
The Pied Piper (17 minutes): Friday, September 29, 2023
“A lesser-known short story by Roald Dahl about a professional rodent exterminator.”
Poison (17 minutes): Saturday, September 30, 2023
“A well-known short story by Roald Dahl about a man who discovers a poisonous snake sleeping in his bed.”
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Three must-see Wes Anderson films and where to stream them
From his directorial debut with Bottle rocket 1996 for his latest ensemble film, Asteroid city In 2023, Wes Anderson has directed eleven feature films and several short films, as well as a few commercials. Known for exploring significant themes, eccentric characters, and unmatched storytelling and art styles, each of his films deserves a viewing (or multiple rewatches). However, three of his works stand out more than the others and remain our favorites.
Fantastic Mr Fox
Images via 20th Century Studios
In his first-ever adaptation of Roald Dahl’s 1970 children’s novel of the same name, Anderson directs and co-wrote this 2009 stop-motion animated comedy Noah Baumbach. Fantastic Mr Fox follows the title character Mr. Fox, who promises his wife Felicity to stop stealing. But after two human years (12 fox years), his theft spree reignites, endangering the lives of his family and their other animal friends at the hands of the angry farmers. The film features an ensemble voice cast of George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem DafoeAnd Owen Wilson, among others. Upon its release Fantastic Mr Fox became the second highest-rated and one of the best animated films of the year, receiving nominations for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score at the 82nd Academy Awards.
Check it out on Max
The Grand Budapest Hotel
Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures
This star-studded 2014 comedy-drama is the only Oscar-winning project for Anderson, which he wrote and directed based on a story he co-wrote with his longtime collaborator. Hugo Guinness. The Grand Budapest Hotel is set in a 20th-century mountain resort in the fictional Eastern European town of Zubrowka, against the backdrop of a raging fascist regime. The story follows Ralph Fiennes as Monsieur Gustave G, a renowned concierge at the titular hotel who prides himself on providing first-class service to all guests, no matter what they need. But when Gustave is accused of murdering a guest, he sets off with his friend and protégé Zero (Tony Revolori) on a quest to save herself and a fortune, making their journey and friendship the core of the film. Often cited as one of the best films of the 2010s. The Grand Budapest Hotel It received nine nominations at the 87th Academy Awards, winning four and earning Anderson a BAFTA for Best Original Screenplay.
Watch it on Hulu
Asteroid city
In his latest and eleventh feature film project, Anderson writes, directs and co-produces this 2023 science fiction comedy-drama based on a story he co-wrote Roman Coppola. Another historical film, Asteroid city is set in 1955 in the middle of a fictional desert town, where a group of students and their parents meet for the annual Junior Stargazer Congress. The film can be seen as Anderson’s homage to the myths about alien and UFO sightings in the postwar American Southwest. Asteroid city made headlines for boasting a cast “larger than most other Anderson films that have an ensemble feel” and features in the cast, among other things Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanksalong with his frequent collaborators like Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brodyetc. Upon its release Asteroid city was both a commercial and critical success and was described as his “most beautiful film to date”.
Check it out on Peacock
Source : collider.com