Licorice Pizza release date, cast, trailer, synopsis, and more

Three words: PTA is back. For the first time since 2017, Paul Thomas Anderson will release his latest film, Licorice Pizza, at the end of the month.

Whenever PTA releases a movie, it’s an event. He’s one of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers of his generation with massive hits like Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, The Master, and Phantom Thread.

PTA returns to a familiar setting as Licorice Pizza takes place in the same area where the director grew up, the San Fernando Valley. Magnolia, Punch-Drunk Love, and the aforementioned Boogie Nights all take place in the Valley.

Even with very little promotion up to this point, Licorice Pizza is one of the most anticipated films remaining in 2021. Below is information concerning the release date, trailer, cast, and synopsis.

Licorice Pizza release date

The film will have two premiere dates. It is set for a limited release on November 26, 2021. Then, it will open nationwide on December 25, 2021.

Licorice Pizza cast

The cast features both newcomers and Oscar nominees. In her first feature role, Alana Haim, a member of the band HAIM, plays the female lead, Alana Kane. Cooper Hoffman, the son of the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, will also make his feature film debut as the male lead, Gary Valentine, who is based on the film and television producer Gary Goetzman.

Joining the two newcomers in the cast are Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Benny Safdie, and Tom Waits.

Licorice Pizza trailer

Watch the trailer, which is set to David Bowie’s “Life on Mars,” below.

Licorice Pizza synopsis

The film is about a young romance between the teenage Gary and the young professional Alana. They meet, fall in love, and go through the highs and lows of a relationship in the San Fernando Valley.

Below is the official synopsis from MGM.

"“Licorice Pizza” is the story of Alana Kane (Alana Haim) and Gary Valentine (Cooper Hoffman) growing up, running around and falling in love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.  Written and Directed by heralded filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson, this potent coming-of-age drama tracks the treacherous navigation of first love. Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Tom Waits and Benny Safdi also star."

Are you excited for the latest film from PTA? Let us know in the comments.