Warren Beatty‘s “Rules Don’t Apply” is set to premiere at the AFI Fest Opening Gala on Nov. 10 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, the festival announced Tuesday.
The film is written, directed, produced by and stars Beatty, who is an AFI Life Achievement Award recipient and Academy Award winner. An original story, it follows two young Hollywood denizens who work for eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes in 1958.
“Warren Beatty has charmed and challenged moviegoers from his first moment on screen, and his talents as an actor, director, writer and producer have always transcended trends,” Bob Gazzale, AFI’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “AFI is honored to present the World Premiere of his newest gift to America’s cultural legacy.”
“Rules Don’t Apply” follows aspiring actress Marla Mabrey (Lily Collins) as she arrives in L.A. to begin working for Hughes and meets her new driver, Frank (played by the newly cast Han Solo, Alden Ehrenreich).
The two are immediately attracted to each other but cannot act on it for professional and religious reasons. Before long, Collins’ character and Hughes begin to get closer, much to Frank’s horror.
The film also stars Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening, Matthew Broderick, Ed Harris, Megan Hilty, Oliver Platt and Martin Sheen.
“We are launching the 30th edition of AFI Fest with a new Warren Beatty film that takes place in 1950s Hollywood. Romantic entanglements, the youthful pursuit of success and an outlandish billionaire are brought to life by a remarkable ensemble cast,” Jacqueline Lyanga, AFI Fest’s director, continued.
“On Opening Night, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the quintessential temple of cinema in Hollywood, will shine a light on ‘Rules Don’t Apply.’”
“Rules Don’t Apply” opens in theaters on Nov. 23.