Filming is set to begin on October 5 in Madrid and Aranjuez, with the Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid reported to be Woody Allen and Soon-Yi Previn's base. Before filming, the couple were seen returning to the hotel after a day in the Spanish capital. Official production materials do not confirm their accommodation.
The hotel puts them at one of Madrid's best-known addresses. Their routine has included film-related work and visits to familiar spots around the city.
The project was officially presented in Madrid on October 1, 2026. Allen appeared with actors Alexi Wasser and Peter Vives. Madrid regional president Isabel Díaz Ayuso and the city's mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida, also attended the presentation, reported by RTVE and Spain's Moncloa.
Before returning to the hotel, Allen and Soon-Yi visited a Torrons Vicens shop on the Paseo del Prado. They also ate at a well-known asador on Calle Hermosilla.
The hotel occupies a historic building that opened in 1910. French architect Charles Mewès designed it, along with several major Ritz hotels in Europe. It stands on the Paseo del Prado, close to the Museo del Prado and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. El Retiro park is also nearby.
From the hotel, visitors can reach basic Madrid on foot. Madrid and Aranjuez are expected to provide the basic settings for Allen's new film. Shooting is scheduled to start on October 5 and run for about six weeks. More than 30 locations across the capital and nearby areas are expected to feature.
The Madrid project is expected to be Woody Allen’s 51st feature film. It has no final title yet and has been referred to in some reports by the working designation Wasp 2026, Variety reported.
The Mandarin Oriental Ritz Madrid sits at the top end of the capital's hotel market. A Premier Junior Suite costs around €3,000 per night and overlooks Plaza de la Lealtad and the Museo del Prado. The suite pairs the building's historic character with luxury accommodation in central Madrid.
At a press conference in Madrid on Thursday, October 1, Allen described the project as a comedy about romance and infidelity, set amid diplomatic intrigue. Questions also touched on political issues and the camp at Puerta del Sol. Allen declined to discuss that subject, saying he was not a political filmmaker.
RTVE and other Spanish media have reported a budget of around €12 million. The figure includes approximately €1.5 million in support from the Madrid regional authorities, as well as logistical assistance from the city.
Allen is in Madrid with his wife, and filming is due to begin on October 5. Their reported base is a landmark hotel on the Paseo del Prado. Madrid authorities are promoting the production as a chance to show the city on screen.
The couple's reported outings have brought visibility to the production, with sightings on city streets during visits to shops and restaurants. The hotel offers a discreet base for the weeks ahead.
