Woody Allen unveils new film in Madrid, controversies still linger

Woody Allen, 90, unveiled his 51st feature film in Madrid on Thursday, a contemporary comedy centered on romance, intrigue and infidelity within a diplomatic setting, currently known by the working titles Wasp 2026 or Madrid. 

Filming is set to begin October 5 and will run roughly six weeks across more than 30 locations in Madrid and the nearby town of Aranjuez. 

The cast includes Alexi Wasser, Jemima Kirke, Peter Vives, Marton Csokas and Jakob Oftebro, with much of the technical crew drawn locally from Spain.

Speaking about the decision to shoot in the Spanish capital, Allen said, "This will be my third time filming there and my first opportunity to make a film in Madrid, a city I have always loved."

The announcement has reignited attention on Allen's long-standing personal controversies, particularly his marriage to Soon-Yi Previn, the adopted daughter of his former partner Mia Farrow. 

Allen and Previn's relationship became public in 1992, while Allen was still romantically involved with Farrow, the two married in Venice in 1997, when Allen was 62 and Previn was 27, a 35-year age gap. 

The couple currently lives with their two adopted daughters, Manzie and Bechet. 

At the Madrid presentation, Allen again raised the possibility of eventually retiring from filmmaking, saying the process remains exhausting even as this particular project proved too appealing to turn down.