Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie gets a new title, Licorice Pizza

The title of Paul Thomas Anderson’s newest film has been changed from its working title, Soggy Bottom to Licorice Pizza. The new title references a well renowned ’70’s record store chain with the same name. The story follows a burgeoning child actor set in the ’70’s and features a talented cast.

Bradley Cooper, Alana Haim, Nate Mann, Skyler Gisondo, Tom Waits, Maya Rudolph, Ben Stiller, Sean Penn, Benny Safdie, John C. Reilly, Christoper Walken, and making his acting debut, Cooper Hoffman are all set to star in the film.

Hoffman is the son of late actor and frequent Paul Thomas Anderson collaborator, Phillip Seymour Hoffman. This is also Anderson’s first collaboration with Reilly since Magnolia, which hit theaters over 20 years ago.

What is the film Licorice Pizza about?

This film is expected to live in a similar milieu as two of Anderson’s earlier films: Boogie Nights and Inherent Vice. As a follow-up to Phantom Thread, Anderson may seek to return to a more familiar setting of southern California. Giving the reigns to Hoffman to lead the film is both an ode to Hoffman’s late father and an exciting opportunity to see what the young actor has to offer.

Anderson’s ninth feature film is also rumored to have more of a ‘needle-drop’ score than original music appropriate for the era. The trailer debuted in London at The Prince Charles Cinema and is now being shown at random theaters internationally, but the trailer is expected to see a wider release soon.

This film is also reportedly Anderson’s highest budgeted movie at $40 million. Anderson has yet to have a film gross $100 million at the box office.

Licorice Pizza is expected to have its theatrical release on Nov. 26, 2021, with a wide release on Christmas of this year. Keep an eye out for the trailer in the coming weeks!