Oscar-winning filmmakers Ethan and Joel Coen have announced plans to direct a new movie together, ending a period during which they pursued separate projects. The brothers, known for acclaimed films such as “Fargo” and “Barton Fink,” discussed their intentions in an interview ahead of receiving the Lumiere lifetime achievement award in Lyon, France.
The Coens have recently focused on individual works, with Ethan Coen collaborating with his wife, film editor Tricia Cooke, on projects like “Honey Don’t,” and Joel Coen working with his wife, actress Frances McDormand, on films including “The Tragedy of Macbeth.” Despite these separate ventures, they emphasized that there has been no rift between them. “It’s not anything like that,” Joel Coen said, responding to speculation about a potential split. “We’re getting old. It better be the near future.”
Their last joint directorial effort was the 2018 Western anthology “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” which followed their 2016 comedy “Hail, Caesar!” Both films received critical recognition, with “Buster Scruggs” earning several Academy Award nominations.
While the Coens confirmed plans to reunite on a feature film, they declined to provide details about the new project. Ethan Coen indicated it is unlikely to fall within the dominant genres of contemporary mainstream cinema, such as fantasy, science fiction, horror, or comic book adaptations, noting that neither brother has ever been drawn to these genres. Joel Coen also ruled out creating a television series, despite his previous executive producing role on the “Fargo” TV adaptation, citing differences in storytelling structure and approach.
The Coen brothers’ announcement signals a return to collaborative filmmaking after several years apart, with a broad catalogue of unproduced scripts and ideas reportedly under consideration. Fans and industry observers await further information on the nature and timing of their next film, which some hope will continue the distinctive style and wit that have characterized the duo’s celebrated career.