Is there anything more fantastical than a Wes Anderson creation? The three-time Oscar-nominated writer-director has been wowing audiences since 1996, and has given us eight feature films to date.
Aside from his landscapes of muted colors (pink and purple pastels in the case of “The Grand Budapest Hotel”), there’s always one thing indicative of an Anderson film: the actors. Having expertly assembled a motley crew of talent, Anderson’s productions are made even more enjoyable (and often hilarious) by those who bring them to life. Just try to watch the Ralph Fiennes-starring “The Grand Budapest Hotel” and not squeal with excitement as familiar faces pop up left and right!
Adrien Brody
As the menacing Dmitri in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Brody’s stellar performance reminds us why Anderson loves to work with him! Their relationship started with 2007’s “The Darjeeling Limited” and was followed by the animated feature “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” but these three films are probably (hopefully!) just the beginning for the actor-director duo.
Willem Dafoe
This two-time Oscar nominee’s relationship with Anderson dates back to 2004, when he first appeared in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” as Klaus Daimler. Years later, Dafoe has made himself a regular in the writer-director’s films, having also appeared in “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and this year’s “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Jeff Goldblum
We love when this “Jurassic Park” actor pops up in one of Anderson’s cinematic worlds. Most recently, Goldblum made an appearance in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” but his first partnership with the writer-director happened with 2004’s “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” wherein he played Alistair Hennessey.
Anjelica Huston
The last time we saw Huston in an Anderson film was, well, too long ago! Having appeared in the Oscar-nominated “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” and “The Darjeeling Limited,” it’s been nearly eight years since the actor lent her talents to one of writer-director’s masterpieces.
Harvey Keitel
Known for his performances in films such as “Resevoir Dogs” and “The Piano,” this Oscar-nominated actor has appeared in his share of Anderson cinema, with turns in 2012’s “Moonrise Kingdom,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Bill Murray
Certainly the leader of Anderson’s troupe is Bill Murray, who’s appeared in a whopping seven films of the writer-director’s. Their on-screen relationship dates back to 1998’s “Rushmore,” followed by “The Royal Tenenbaums,” the titular role in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” and most recently, “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Edward Norton
The newfound on-screen relationship between Anderson and two-time Oscar nominee Norton is one we’ll hopefully be able to cherish for years to come. The actor has appeared in “Moonrise Kingdom” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.” Here’s to many more!
Jason Schwartzman
At just 18 years old, Schwartzman began his long-lasting relationship with the writer-director. Starting off with a starring turn in 1998’s “Rushmore,” the actor went on to appear in “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Moonrise Kingdom,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Tilda Swinton
Another newer relationship of Anderson’s is that with Oscar winner Swinton. As the female comedic relief as Madame D. in “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” the actor’s appearances in the writer-director’s films started with 2012’s “Moonrise Kingdom.”
Luke Wilson
What started as a lasting on-screen actor-director relationship seemed to fizzle out in the early 2000s. Having appeared in Anderson’s very first feature film “Bottle Rocket,” followed by “Rushmore” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” it’s been 14 years since Wilson’s acted in any of the three-time Oscar nominee’s productions.
Owen Wilson
Thankfully, however, another Wilson brother has been a recurring actor in Anderson’s troupe. Owen Wilson co-wrote and starred in “Bottle Rocket,” “Rushmore,” and “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and acted in “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
Want more? Check out “How Wes Anderson’s Universe Is Cast!”