Gwyneth Paltrow, Gene Hackman and Ben Stiller signed autographs for fans under the neon lights of Hollywood’s historic El Capitan theatre as they arrived for the premiere of their new film, The Royal Tenenbaums on Thursday. Co-stars Angelica Houston and Luke Wilson – Gwyneth’s rumoured new love – were all on hand to celebrate the opening of the offbeat comedy.
Casually elegant in a cream sweater, tan skirt and boots, Gwyneth told reporters she signed on for the film because she was a “huge fan” of it’s director, Wes Anderson, the mind behind the critically acclaimed Rushmore. Says Gwyneth: “Rushmore is one of my favourite movies and so I thought, whatever he’s doing… I would love to be a part of it. It’s very exciting. I’m very glad to be here.”
Co-star Luke Wilson, who reportedly began dating Gwyneth when they met on the set of the film, was part of Anderson’s first effort, Bottle Rocket. As Luke arrived at the glittering bash, he noted how far the writer-director has come since the indie film was released in 1996. “We had a barbeque to celebrate the premiere of Bottle Rocket, which kind of puts this into perspective. It’s very exciting.”
The film features an A-list cast, with veteran actors Gene and Angelica starring as the parents of former child prodigies whose family is suddenly reunited after a three-year estrangement. “It was great,” says Gene. “Every day there would be a young movie star that I got to work with… It was just so much fun. I had a great time as an actor doing this.”
The Royal Tenenbaums, which also stars Bill Murray and Lethal Weapon’s Danny Glover, opens in the US on December 14 and will debut in the UK next March.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
