'Boogie Nights' Director Heading Back To 1970s With New Movie

“Boogie Nights” director Paul Thomas Anderson is returning with another film in a familiar setting. Focus Features, who Anderson worked with previously on “Phantom Thread,” has signed on to work with Anderson on releasing the project alongside with Anderson’s own Ghoulardi Film Company banner.

Not much is known about the movie just yet, other than the fact that it takes place in high school during the 70s, according to Variety. The leading character is said to be a high school student who is also a famous child actor. The title-less film is currently casting for its leading role and other major cast members and will start production officially in February.

This wouldn’t be the first time Anderson has tackled a film set in the disco era, as his break-out film “Boogie Nights” was also a 1970s-set film. Similarly, The Hollywood Reporter states that not only is Anderson returning to the decade he was born, but he is also returning to his home of California where 1997’s “Boogie Nights” was set. His last film, 2017's “Phantom Thread,” which he wrote and directed, was set in 1950s London.

Anderson has been nominated for eight Academy Awards over the years, starting with Best Original Screenplay for “Boogie Nights.” His writing for the film also earned him BAFTA and Writers Guild of America nominations. Two years later, his ensemble drama film “Magnolia” was also nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.

“Phantom Thread,” which marked legendary method actor Daniel Day Lewis’s last onscreen appearance before his retirement, was nominated for six Academy Awards alone.

At press time, no further details aside from the setting are known about Anderson's new film.