Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City: Unpacking the Visual Magic

The Fashionisto

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Published May 25, 2023

Jason Schwartzman as Augie Steenbeck and Tom Hanks as Stanley Zak in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City.Pin
Jason Schwartzman as Augie Steenbeck and Tom Hanks as Stanley Zak in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

With a signature touch of whimsy and flair, director Wes Anderson has once again graced the cinematic landscape with his latest film, Asteroid City. Set for limited release on June 16, 2023, with a wider circulation following a week later, the film whisks audiences away to a quaint, fictional desert town in America circa 1955.

Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City

Official Asteroid City poster artwork. Pin
Official Asteroid City poster artwork. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

The narrative finds its roots in the quirky premise of a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention, a gathering designed to bring students and parents together for shared learning and camaraderie. But when unforeseen, world-altering events ensue, the once simple meetup spirals into an exhilarating tale of adventure.

Wes Anderson on set with Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks for Asteroid City.Pin
Wes Anderson captured on set with Jason Schwartzman and Tom Hanks for Asteroid City. Photo: Roger Do Minh / Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

Penned by Anderson himself alongside the esteemed Roman Coppola, Asteroid City boasts a star-studded cast. Jason Schwartzman, Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Jeffrey Wright, among others, contribute to the character-driven narrative typical of Anderson’s work. Indeed, the film promises to deliver an immersive escape, with the director’s distinct worldbuilding and character depth creating a vivid cinematic tableau.

Director Wes Anderson captured on the set of Asteroid City in an all-white outfit and straw boater hat.Pin
Director Wes Anderson captured on the set of Asteroid City in an all-white outfit and straw boater hat. Photo: Roger Do Minh / Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

But the charm of Anderson’s films isn’t just confined to his storytelling; there’s an undeniable appeal to the fashion inspiration his films consistently offer. The director himself led by example during the film’s production, donning a crisp white ensemble offset by brown loafers and a classic boater hat.

Liev Schreiber wears a seersucker suit as J.J. Kellogg opposite Steve Carell's motel manager and Stephen Park as Roger Cho in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City. Park wears a resort-style Cuban-collar short-sleeve shirt for the film scene.Pin
Liev Schreiber wears a seersucker suit as J.J. Kellogg opposite Steve Carell’s motel manager, and Stephen Park as Roger Cho in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Park wears a resort-style Cuban-collar short-sleeve shirt for the film scene. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

Asteroid City continues this fashion-forward tradition, showcasing a variety of summer essentials. From breezy resort shirts and vintage-inspired denim to the quintessential seersucker suit, the film’s wardrobe will inspire refreshing updates to your summer style.

Bryan Cranston brings to mind the fifties as he makes an appearance as a host in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City.Pin
Bryan Cranston brings to mind the fifties as he appears as a host in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features
Hong Chau as Polly and Adrien Brody as Schubert Green in Wes Anderson's Asteroid City.Pin
Hong Chau as Polly and Adrien Brody as Schubert Green in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features

Asteroid City Character Posters

Asteroid City poster artwork featuring Tom Hanks.Pin
Asteroid City poster artwork featuring Tom Hanks in a yellow shirt and argyle pants. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features
Asteroid City poster artwork featuring Jason Schwartzman.Pin
Asteroid City poster artwork featuring Jason Schwartzman in a safari jacket. Photo: Pop. 87 Productions / Focus Features