Paul Thomas Anderson has confirmed that he provided uncredited script rewrites for Martin Scorsese’s Killers Of The Flower Moon and Ridley Scott’s Napoleon. The revelation came in a recent interview, where Anderson addressed rumors that had circulated in Hollywood for years regarding his behind-the-scenes involvement in these films.
This confirmation sheds light on the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where multiple creative voices contribute to polishing scripts before and during production, a process in which Anderson’s expertise was sought after by notable directors and actors.
Details of Anderson’s Role and Industry Context
In the interview, Anderson explained his willingness to support fellow filmmakers, emphasizing his respect for those who reached out for assistance.
I love to contribute in any way I can if somebody reaches out for help,
he said, reflecting on his involvement. He further revealed that his work on these two projects stemmed from close relationships with stars Joaquin Phoenix and Leonardo DiCaprio as well as directors Martin Scorsese and Ridley Scott.
Both of those things were a thing with Joaquin [Phoenix], a thing with Leo[nardo DiCaprio], and obviously with Marty and Ridley. It’s always a privilege to say, ‘Let me tell you my thoughts on the script.’
Anderson cited inspiration from his friendships with late directors Robert Altman, Jonathan Demme, and Robert Downey Sr., who encouraged him to contribute constructively in such capacities.
They made me feel encouraged and confident,
he added, noting the importance of collaboration fostered by mentors.
Speculation and Confirmation Amid Industry Rumors
The news confirms longstanding speculation among Hollywood insiders and journalists. Crew members from both films were previously questioned about Anderson’s input but avoided addressing the rumors directly. For instance, Killers Of The Flower Moon cinematographer Rodrigo Pietro sidestepped the topic during an appearance on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Phoenix insisted Anderson be brought in to assist with rewriting Napoleon, threatening to exit the project otherwise. Until now, Anderson had remained silent on these rumors, likely due to his focus on his own project.
The Reality of Uncredited Script Revisions in Filmmaking
While Anderson’s contributions have raised curiosity, uncredited script rewrites are a common aspect of the filmmaking process. Scripts often evolve throughout production, shaped by input from various creatives to achieve the desired narrative flow. Anderson acknowledged this fluidity with reference to his own film One Battle After Another, which combines elements from multiple scripts and the loosely adapted Thomas Pynchon novel Vineland. The film also incorporates ideas from Anderson’s works about a bounty hunter and a young female activist, illustrating how several concepts inform a single project.
This collaborative spirit is a standard part of bringing films to life, as screenplays may be adjusted right up to shooting or while editing. Anderson’s involvement on projects by Ridley Scott and Martin Scorsese exemplifies this dynamic, similar to how numerous writers contributed to the USS Indianapolis speech in Jaws before Robert Shaw’s iconic performance.
Upcoming Projects and Industry Impact
Paul Thomas Anderson’s own One Battle After Another is currently debuting in theaters, marking the latest chapter in his filmmaking career. His confirmed participation in rewrites for highly anticipated films by Scorsese and Scott highlights the often-overlooked contributions talented directors make beyond their own projects, shaping major cinema through collaborative effort.
As Hollywood continues to produce large-scale films, the practice of enlisting experienced writers like Anderson for targeted script enhancements remains vital. It ensures films meet the creative and narrative demands of both directors and actors, suggesting similar collaborations will persist behind the scenes on future productions.
