Get ready for another delightful cinematic journey with the one and only Wes Anderson! The master of storytelling and captivating visuals is back with his newest film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar. The short film has been receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike. We’ll uncover the talented cast, reveal the eagerly anticipated release date, and give you a sneak peek into the enchanting story that’s waiting to unfold on the big screen. Wes Anderson fans, this one’s for you!
Release Date and Where to Watch
Confirmation of this project came in January 2022, and just a week later, filming commenced. Originally, the film was set to debut at the Venice Film Festival before its public release on October 16. However, exciting news for fans—Netflix has now announced that The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will premiere on their platform earlier than expected, on September 27, 2023.
Netflix‘s acquisition of the Roald Dahl Story Company in September 2021 granted them the rights to Roald Dahl’s entire literary collection, making it the ideal home for Dahl adaptations. Following the success of Matilda the Musical in 2022, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar marks the second of Dahl’s works to grace Netflix screens. With this significant deal, we can anticipate more of Dahl’s beloved stories making their way to the streaming giant in the future.
The Cast of The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar
Benedict Cumberbatch takes the lead role as Henry Sugar, a character who undergoes a transformative journey from greed to compassion. This film marks Cumberbatch’s debut collaboration with Wes Anderson, adding another notable role to his already impressive resume, which includes Alan Turing in The Imitation Game and Dr. Strange in the Marvel universe.
Joining Cumberbatch are talented actors in undisclosed roles, including Dev Patel (The Green Knight), Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Rupert Friend (The French Dispatch), Richard Ayoade (Submarine), and Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings).
The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar Trailer
For those eager to catch a glimpse of the film, the trailer for The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar was released in September, offering a tantalizing 90-second preview of what awaits.
Who is The Filmmaker Behind the Magic?
Wes Anderson directs this Roald Dahl’s classic tale in his signature style of symmetry, whimsy, and bright colors. Anderson has a way of tackling difficult subject matters with a lightheartedness that makes even the most difficult things seem like fun to watch. His filmography, from Bottlerocket to The Royal Tenenbaums and beyond, showcases his evolution as a filmmaker.
In addition to The Amazing World of Henry Sugar, Anderson is also working on Asteroid City, a romantic comedy about a junior stargazer convention that promises a lot of different kinds of stories.
A Short but Sweet Film
Anderson has revealed that The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar will be his shortest film to date, clocking in at just 37 minutes. He said it’s like the BBC’s play for today programs, where the story is more important than the length of the movie.
What is the Film About?
The story of the movie follows the journey of Henry Sugar, an extremely wealthy and self-absorbed man. When he comes across a medical report of a man in India who claims to be able to see without the use of his eyes, he becomes obsessed with learning how to do it. After years of meditation he finally gains the ability to see through playing cards and foresee the future.
Using his new-found skills, Henry goes to a casino and sees first-hand the corruption of greed as he makes a fortune. But soon, he finds that the joy of gambling is gone from his life. He decides to use his fortune to build the world’s best orphanages. To do this, he needs even more money, which puts him in a bind with the casino owner in Las Vegas.
Henry has to change his identity and travel all over the world to avoid the casino gangs while he learns the price of his good deed.
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar is structured into three chapters, interweaving various smaller stories, with Henry Sugar serving as the thread that ties them together. Anderson’s unique storytelling approach promises to deliver a compelling narrative, much like his previous work in The French Dispatch.
Ending Notes
The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar offers Wes Anderson’s signature blend of whimsy, heart, and visually stunning storytelling in a shorter format. As any fan of Anderson knows, his films are like a warm, cozy embrace for your soul, and this one will be no exception. So, get ready for a truly delightful cinematic experience that’ll leave you with a smile on your face and a heart full of wonder!
