Filmmakers Joel and Ethan Coen have teased a potential movie reunion in their hometown of Minneapolis, eight years after their last joint project, “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.” Speaking at Lyon’s Lumière Film Festival, where they received a career tribute, the brothers noted they have discussed returning to Minneapolis—where they previously filmed “Fargo” in 1996 and “A Serious Man” in 2009—because of crew members they have missed.
Exploring new projects and unproduced scripts
While discussing their writing history, the brothers revealed they have several unproduced scripts. Ethan noted that one Minneapolis-themed story featured a main role intended for an actor who has since died, raising questions about whether the project will move forward. Another script written together while they worked on separate films now feels like a period piece due to cultural shifts. Joel mentioned that Frances McDormand, Joel’s wife of 42 years, playfully urged them on stage to complete an unofficial trilogy that began with “Fargo” and “A Serious Man.”
Addressing the political nature of their work, Joel remarked that political situations serve as background rather than direct targets, adding that literalizing figures like Donald Trump is not in their wheelhouse. Ethan echoed that their films do not intentionally comment on current affairs outside the story itself.
Perspectives on streaming and theatrical windows
Turning to the changing film business, the Coens discussed their experiences with streaming platforms. Netflix backed “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs,” while A24 released Joel’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” theatrically before it went to Apple TV+. Joel credited home video formats of the 1980s with supporting their early careers, noting it would be disingenuous to oppose new distribution platforms entirely.
However, both brothers defended the theatrical experience, with Joel criticizing the practice of viewing films on mobile devices or airplanes. Joel expressed hope that streaming services are recognizing the value of theatrical distribution again.
On studio consolidation and artificial intelligence
On the subject of artificial intelligence, Joel dismissed the notion that AI could take over screenwriting as “nonsense,” while criticizing computer-generated images and AI effects for turning cinema into a cartoonish format. He compared modern computer effects unfavorably to practical techniques used in their 1990 film “Miller’s Crossing.”
Regarding corporate restructuring, such as studio mergers, Joel stated that increased consolidation is detrimental to the market. “Competition is what drives the market, but it’s also what produces opportunities for different kinds of movies,” Joel said.