Woody Allen was quick to deny rumors of his retirement that emerged from an interview with a Spanish magazine, saying his next film would be his last.
The 86-year-old director issued a statement on Monday to clarify what he meant, saying:
“Woody Allen never said he was retiring, nor did he say he was writing another novel. He said he’s considering not making films as he doesn’t enjoy making films that go directly or very quickly to streaming platforms as he’s a big lover of the cinematic experience. He currently has no intention of retiring and is very much looking forward to shooting his new film in Paris, which will be his 50th.”
The confusion seems to have stemmed from an interview Allen gave to La Vanguardia ahead of Wasp 22, which is due to be filmed in Europe, in which he said: “My idea isn’t basically to do more films and move on to writing focus.”
He added that his next project will be a novel.
This isn’t the first time Allen has spoken about retiring from the film business. In a conversation with Alec Baldwin, streamed live on Instagram in June, Allen said he plans to direct “another movie or two” but also said “the thrill is gone” because the theatrical experience has declined .