ASTEROID CITY and the most iconic billboards in film!
Wes Anderson’s latest feature film ASTEROID CITY opens on Thursday, June 22! The trailer shows a picturesque western landscape with a few billboards scattered around the charming town. In honor of the background art that may often go unnoticed, this is a compilation of the most iconic billboards in movies that may have been hiding in plain sight.
“Arid Plains Meteorite” billboard, ASTEROID CITY (2023)
Featuring the work of American landscape artist David Meikle, who also created the ASTEROID CITY illustrated movie poster. His work is also seen on the billboard below:
Casino billboard, ASTEROID CITY (2023)
Amity Island billboard (defaced), JAWS (1975)
The titular THREE BILLBOARDS OUTSIDE EBBING, MISSOURI (2017)
Starring Frances McDormand, who has also been in several Wes Anderson films including MOONRISE KINGDOM, ISLE OF DOGS, and THE FRENCH DISPATCH.
“Working To Dig You Out!” billboard, WALL-E (2008)
L’amour advertisement, ROMEO + JULIET (1996)
In this film, director Baz Luhrmann makes a reference to the L’amour sign also seen in his version of MOULIN ROUGE.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg billboard, THE GREAT GATSBY (2013)
“See You Next Wednesday” movie promotion billboard, THE BLUES BROTHERS (1980)
Digital billboard, BLADE RUNNER (1982)
BLADE RUNNER: THE FINAL CUT is also playing at the Film Center on June 9 and June 10 as part of the Sight & Sound 100 Series! Tickets can be bought here.
Joi companion ad, BLADE RUNNER 2049 (2017)
TV Honorable Mention: The Simpsons s6e15, “Homie the Clown”
The Simpsons has a much larger ongoing billboard gag, but in this particular episode billboards are a direct plot catalyst when Homer causes multiple traffic accidents on his drive to work, sees a Krusty’s Clown College billboard, and becomes a Krusty impersonator.
ASTEROID CITY is opening at the PFS Bourse on Thursday, June 22! Get your tickets on our main Now Showing page or click the link here.