Legendary filmmaker Woody Allen is set to direct his lens toward the Spanish capital once again.
The 90 year old director officially announced plans to shoot a new movie in Madrid this coming spring. He has titled the production WASP 2026. This acronym stands for Woody Allen Spring Project. The news serves as a major update for fans who thought the director might have retired after his last release. It marks a significant return to a city that Allen has praised for decades.
Massive Budget and City Support
The production schedule is already set to begin in March. Filming will continue for roughly six months throughout the city. The total budget for the film currently exceeds $11 million. This is a substantial figure for an independent European production in today’s economic climate.
A significant portion of this funding comes directly from local government. The City of Madrid has committed $4 million to the project. This financial injection shows how eager local officials are to associate their city with high art and global cinema.
There is a unique catch to this funding agreement. Allen is required to include the word “Madrid” in the final movie title.
City officials believe this stipulation is vital. It ensures the capital receives permanent branding attached to the director’s legacy. This strategy aligns with past trends where European cities funded films to boost tourism and cultural relevance.
Below is the breakdown of the known financial structure for WASP 2026:
- Total Budget: $11 million+
- City of Madrid Contribution: $4 million
- Private Equity: 3Six9 Studios
- Regional Incentives: Offers from Canary Islands and Basque Country
-
woody allen filming movie camera madrid spain street scene production set
The Saudi Investment Connection
The financing for WASP 2026 extends far beyond Spanish borders. A major portion of the budget is secured by 3Six9 Studios. This is a production entity based in Saudi Arabia. It is led by billionaire Sheik Mohammed Youssef El Khereiji.
This partnership signals a massive shift in global film financing.
Saudi investors are increasingly looking to Hollywood and veteran directors to expand their cultural footprint.
By backing a name as recognizable as Woody Allen, 3Six9 Studios gains immediate credibility in the western film market. This collaboration could open doors for future projects between European auteurs and Middle Eastern financiers. It represents a new era where art house cinema relies on diverse international portfolios to survive.
Reunion of Spanish Superstars
Rumors regarding the cast are already swirling through the industry. Allen has kept the official list secret so far. However, industry insiders strongly suggest that Spanish icons Javier Bardem and Penélope Cruz are in talks to join the film.
A reunion of this caliber would guarantee international distribution deals.
Bardem and Cruz previously worked with Allen on Vicky Cristina Barcelona. That film earned Cruz an Academy Award and remains one of Allen’s most financially successful modern films. Their involvement would add a layer of star power that transcends the director’s name alone.
The chemistry between these two actors is undeniable. Audiences worldwide respond positively whenever they share the screen.
“I still feel I have one great idea left. This budget finally gives me the chance to bring that specific idea to life properly.”
— Woody Allen (regarding the new project)
This quote suggests that WASP 2026 is not just a job for the director. It is a passion project that he has waited for the right financial moment to execute.
Why Spain Remains Loyal
Woody Allen has faced a turbulent relationship with the film industry in the United States. However, his reputation in Europe remains steadfast. His previous film, Coup de Chance, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to warm applause.
That film currently holds an 84 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
This positive reception proves that his storytelling style still resonates with modern audiences. European viewers tend to focus heavily on the artistic merit of his work. Spain, in particular, has always welcomed the director with open arms.
Other regions are now competing for his attention. The Canary Islands and the Basque Country have both offered additional funding incentives. They hope Allen might film specific scenes in their territories to showcase their diverse landscapes.
This competition highlights the economic power of film production. Regions know that a featured spot in a Woody Allen movie serves as a timeless advertisement to potential tourists.
Final Vision for WASP 2026
The project promises to blend Allen’s classic neurotic humor with the vibrant energy of Madrid. Fans can expect stunning cinematography that treats the city as a character itself. The requirement to name the film after the city guarantees a love letter to the Spanish capital.
This movie could potentially be the director’s final curtain call.
Given his age and the scale of the production, expectations are incredibly high. The combination of Saudi money, Spanish talent, and New York direction creates a fascinating cultural mix. The film industry will be watching closely when cameras roll this March.
The success of this model could dictate how independent legends fund their work moving forward. It is a bold experiment in cross border collaboration.
The world will soon see if the 90 year old director can capture magic in Madrid one last time.
Do you think this collaboration will result in another classic like Midnight in Paris? Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you are excited about the return of Bardem and Cruz, share this article on X using #WASP2026.
