New York, Paris, Rome and Barcelona have long featured in Woody Allen’s cinematic imagination. The 90‑year‑old director now plans to add Madrid to that list.
Allen is preparing a new film slated to begin shooting on 5 October. While the plot and cast remain under wraps, the Spanish capital is expected to be more than a backdrop; the ensemble romantic comedy will treat Madrid as a central character, echoing the way other cities have shaped his filmography.
This is not Allen’s first experience filming in Spain—he previously shot Vicky Cristina Barcelona and, later, Rifkin’s Festival in San Sebastián. However, he has never set a story in Madrid. “I will be very happy to return to Spain,” Allen said when the project was announced at the end of last year. “This would be my third time shooting there and my first chance to make a film in Madrid, a city I have always loved.”
Madrid City Council says the project will promote the capital as a tourist, cultural and creative destination for international audiences, aiming to make the city as recognizable on screen as other locations in Allen’s work.
A film to showcase Madrid to the world
The city’s name will even appear in the film’s title, a condition of the agreement. The working title is “WASP 2026” (Woody Allen Summer Project) while the production team finalises preparations. The project brings together Wanda Visión, Gravier Productions and 3Six9 Studios.
Under the terms of the deal, locations, landscapes and elements of Madrid’s architectural, historical and cultural heritage will be prominently featured, with at least 15 % of scenes shot outdoors. The film is intended for an international release, festival participation and promotional screenings in several foreign cities.
Pre‑production and principal photography will take place entirely in Madrid, while post‑production will be split between Madrid and New York.
The unfinished business
The city’s backing totals €1.5 million, about 12.5 % of the €12 million production budget. Projections estimate the creation of 1,196 direct and 2,293 indirect jobs, alongside economic benefits from audiovisual services, transport, accommodation, catering and logistics.
This investment forms part of a broader strategy to position Madrid as a global audiovisual hub, capitalising on the rise of “screen tourism,” which attracts roughly 100 million travelers worldwide each year.
The film’s international rollout will target key markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy and Canada, with the hope that a Woody Allen title will keep Madrid in the spotlight long after filming concludes.
The production continues Allen’s European journey, with Madrid finally becoming the “unfinished business.”
