Wes Anderson will once again transport viewers to a delightfully eccentric world in “Asteroid City,” which hits theaters June 23 following a successful premiere at Cannes Film Festival in May.
The high-wattage film tells a story of a desert tourist trap that was once the site of an asteroid landing, and which also doubles as the location of an annual camp for “stargazers and space cadets.” Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Jason Schwartzman, Matt Dillon, Maya Hawke, Steve Carell, Jeffrey Wright, Ed Norton, Margot Robbie and Jeff Goldblum are among the starry ensemble cast.
Anderson’s distinct visual and narrative style is apparent more than ever in his newest project, spawning dozens of new collector’s items inspired by his most beloved films — from “The Grand Budapest Hotel” to the “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
Ahead of his new film, check out our ultimate Wes Anderson gift guide to shop from this year.
‘Asteroid City’
The meta nature of “Asteroid City” is highlighted in this companion book, which is the literal screenplay of Wes Anderson’s upcoming film but also the fictional screenplay if the “hypothetical play” from which the film is adapted. Like the movie, the screenplay centers on the annual Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention in a fictional desert town, which is spectacularly disrupted by world-changing events.
‘Do Not Detonate’
“Asteroid City” is accompanied by yet another companion book in this collection of work that inspired Wes Anderson’s newest film. The book compiles new and classic writing on mid-century cinema and the American West, in addition to an exclusive interview with Anderson in which the director details how each piece influenced the characters, stories and settings in the film.
‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’
A No 1 bestseller since coming out in 2020, this captivating photo book is a celebration of the stunning visual imagery Wes Anderson is known for. Part travel guide and part visual adventure, the stunning book includes more than 200 of the most beautiful, most idiosyncratic and most “Wes Anderson-esque” destinations across the globe, known for their quirky landscapes and cinematic aesthetics. Anderson helped Koval in curating the destinations featured on every page, accompanied by the very real, human stories behind each photo.
Hard Apple Cider Making Kit
Take some notes from Franklin Bean this fall by making your very own alcoholic cider. While this DIY kit won’t be able to ferment and brew hard cider in mere seconds like the magical machine in “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” it comes pretty close. This all-in-one kit includes all the equipment needed to make up to three batches of delicious, bubbly alcoholic cider at home, in addition to ten, non twist-off bottles. Pair it with this sleek carafe to rival Mr. Bean’s cider jugs.
Mendl’s Mug
While it may be hard to recreate the delicious cream-filled pastries, called the Courtesan au Chocolat, from “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” you can still take a trip to the whimsical Mendl’s Bakery with this classic pink mug.
Max Fischer’s Red Beret
No one pulls off a red beret better than Rushmore Academy’s Max Fischer, the eccentric 15 year-old at the center of Anderson’s beloved 1998 film. Whether you want to dress up as the Jason Schwartzman character for Halloween or feel like adding a Parisian twist to your style, you can’t go wrong with a classic red beret.
Red Tracksuit a la Chas Tenenbaum (70% Off)
Ben Stiller’s Chas Tenenbaum is practically a walking advertisement for Adidas’s classic tracksuit. After ditching his black-tie office wear for something more conducive to running away from danger (or, as Anderson as said in interviews, from “sadness”), Chas decides to rock a matching red set throughout the entirety of the film, serving as the inspiration for countless Halloween costumes in the years since the film’s 2001 premiere.
‘Bottle Rocket’ The Criterion Collection Blu-ray (34% Off)
Courtesy of Amazon
Courtesy of Amazon
Any Wes Anderson fan has a special place in their heart for “Bottle Rocket,” the acclaimed director’s first feature film from 1996, starring Owen and Luke Wilson. This Criterion Collection Blu-Ray set features commentary by Anderson and co-writer Owen Wilson, in addition to a documentary about the making of “Bottle Rocket,” directed by filmmaker Barry Braverman. Plus, the box set includes 11 deleted scenes and a booklet featuring an essay by executive producer James L. Brooks.
‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ Zebra Print Wallpaper (25% Off)
Aside from Ben Stiller’s red tracksuit and Gwenyth Paltrow’s fur coat, one of the most memorable visual elements from Anderson’s 2001 film are the heavily decorated walls. Now, you can bring the stunning “Royal Tenenbaums” aesthetic into your own home with this stick-and-peel version of Margot Tenenbaum’s distinct zebra-printed wallpaper.
Francoise Hardy Vinyl Album (15% Off)
The Anderson soundtrack is known for injecting the perfect mood-setting French track whether it’s the Yves Montand “Rue St. Vincent” mix tape Max plays in “Rushmore,” Joe Dassin’s “Les Champs-Elysees” from “The Darjeeling Limited” or Francoise Hardy’s “Le temps de l’amour” in the delightful “Moonrise Kingdom” beach dance off. So for the super in-the-know why not purchase a record with the track for your favorite Anderson obsessive. And if you can find a vinyl print of “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra” (also featured in “Moonrise Kingdom”) please let me know!
‘The Making of Fantastic Mr. Fox’
Perfect for Roald Dahl and Wes Anderson fans alike, this comprehensive coffee table book dives into the making of Anderson’s adaptation of Dahl’s beloved children’s book from 1970. The Oscar-nominated film is a departure from Anderson’s usual style of filmmaking, which is why the behind-the-scenes look featured in these pages, from set photos to shot analyses, are so intriguing for big Anderson fans.
Read More: 22 Coffee Table Books for Movie and TV Lovers
‘The Wes Anderson Collection’
The essence of a few of his beloved films — “Bottle Rocket,” “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” “The Darjeeling Limited,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox” and “Moonrise Kingdom” — is captured in this New York Times bestselling overview. The book is written by film and television critic Matt Zoller Seitz with an introduction by Michael Chabon.
Richie Tenenbaum Turntable Slipmat
Tennis prodigy Richie Tenenabaum is one of Wes Anderson’s most likable protagonists, an impressive feat considering his many vices and troubling obsession with his adopted step-sister Margot, played by Gwyneth Paltrow. But it’s almost impossible for his quirky demeanor to not elicit empathy from anyone who saw the 2001 film. Any vinyl-spinning “Royal Tenenbaums” fan will adore this cork mat turntable slider, featuring a black-and-white silhouette of the memorable Luke Wilson character, clad in his signature sunglasses and headband. Those without a record player may prefer this cozy Tenenbaum crewneck sweatshirt, perfect for colder weather.
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel: The Illustrated Screenplay’
“The Grand Budapest Hotel” is peak Wes Anderson, filled to the brim with rich colors and arresting visuals that transport viewers to the fictional country of Zubrowka in the 1930s where an unassuming concierge boy Gustave becomes a prime suspect in a mysterious murder. Any film lover will appreciate this visual screenplay, which takes readers through every action-packed scene line by line, accompanied by the best shots and images from the film.
Wes Anderson Minimalist Posters – Set of 9
These minimalist prints are a perfect edition to any office or reading room, offering unique visual takes on the movie posters of Anderson’s most famous films such as “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou,” “Moonrise Kingdom” and “Rushmore,” among others. Approximately 16″ by 12″, you can curate an entire Wes Anderson-themed wall or disperse them in different areas of the house. Plus, the nine-poster set is currently half off for a limited time.
Grand Budapest Hotel Notepad Set
While you can’t book a room at the gorgeous hotel at the center of Wes Anderson’s 2014 film, you can at least collect some of the stylish props featured in the fictional set. Jot down grocery lists and notes in style with this pink notepad, inspired by the highly stylized imagery in “The Grand Budapest Hotel.”
