American filmmaker Woody Allen has revealed that he will be taking a hiatus from work for the first time in years. His newest film A Rainy Day In New York, starring Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet and singer Selena Gomez, has been shelved by Amazon Studios until further notice. According to Page Six, it is likely that the film may be suspended indefinitely.
The film, which tells the story of a couple who arrive in New York to spend a weekend of bad weather and adventure, has been in its post-production stage since last fall. However, due to sexual assault allegations against Allen, Amazon Studios has decided not to proceed with their ongoing contract with Allen. With the rise of the #MeToo movement against sexual abusers in Hollywood, more attention has been drawn towards Allen’s allegations from 1992, when his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow accused him of sexually assaulting her. No charges were ever filed against Allen, but much criticism has swarmed his career.
Actors Timothée Chalamet, Griffin Newman, and Rebecca Hall released statements regarding their involvement in the movie. All vowed to donate their paychecks from the film to certain charities for victims of sexual harassment. A Rainy Day In New York was originally part of a multiple-chain film deal between Amazon and Allen, but Amazon has finally decided to cut ties with the filmmaker due to negative criticism against their existing projects together. With his most recent film being shelved and no upcoming projects coming up in 2019, it is likely that the filmmaker will be on a prolonged hiatus.