Scarlett Johansson and Bryan Cranston attend Asteroid City photocall as Tom Hanks stays away
Their Asteroid City co-star Tom Hanks has been caught up in controversy after he appeared to “berate” an employee at the Cannes Film Festival.
So it’s possible that Scarlett Johansson, 38, and Bryan Cranston, 67, were reading the news while glued to a cellphone during a photo call for their new movie.
The duo seemed cheerful, if not slightly distracted, as they posed for snaps alongside other stars like Maya Hawke and Steve Carell on Wednesday.
But notably absent from the lineup was 66-year-old Tom, who kept his distance from the event after being photographed.
Tom’s actress and producer wife Rita Wilson, who also stars in the film, was seen speaking to the unnamed man.
Catching up: It’s possible that Scarlett Johansson, 38, and Bryan Cranston, 67, were reading the news about Tom Hanks while glued to a cellphone during a photocall for their movie
What is going on here? Their Asteroid City co-star Tom Hanks has been caught up in controversy after appearing to ‘berate’ an employee at the Cannes Film Festival
However, Rita has now set the record straight on what actually happened and took to Instagram hours later to clear the air about the “argument.”
Rita shared a photo of the moment and wrote, “This is called “I can’t hear you. People screaming. What did you say? Where should we go?” ‘We had a great time. Go to Asteroid City!’
Tom has not commented on the incident and missed the chance to make a statement by declining the film’s photocall.
MailOnline has reached out to Tom’s representatives for comment.
For the photocall, Scarlett opted for a quirky striped dress with a fishtail hem that flashed a glimpse of her toned pins.
A pair of quirky platform heels gave her body a boost, while she accessorized it with gold hoop earrings and wayfarer sunglasses.
Maya Hawke also looked classy wearing a quirky flared denim jumpsuit adorned with large gold buttons.
Asteroid City, a coming-of-age movie about stargazing in the desert, is directed by quirky filmmaker Wes Anderson.
Dressed to impress: For the photocall, Scarlett opted for a quirky striped dress with a fishtail hem that flashed a glimpse of her toned pins
Hanging out: Bryan made funny faces as he walked around for the cameras
Team: Steve Carell, Rupert Friend, Stephen Park, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Wes Anderson and Bryan Cranston posed for a group photo
Denim sweetheart: Maya Hawke also looked classy wearing a quirky flared denim jumpsuit adorned with big gold buttons
Radiant: Maya added a pop of color to her look with a sleek red lipstick
Loving life: Jeffrey Wright (L) and Jason Schwartzman starred for the cameras
Here he is: Matt Dillon seemed cheerful at the photocall
In suit and boots: Rupert Friend opted for a smart cream linen suit while Steve Carell looked suave in a navy blue number
Sitting Nicely: After the photocall, the cast sat down for a press conference about the film
Woman of the Hour: Scarlett beamed as her colleagues applauded her rapturously
Have a laugh: Jeffrey, Rupert and Maya couldn’t contain their giggles on the panel
Is this thing on? Director Wes Anderson seemed to have some trouble with his microphone
The film is set in the 1950s in a fictional American desert town that has an eerie feel to it.
At a Junior Stargazer/Space Cadet convention designed to unite students and parents in scientific competition, things go haywire when a world event takes place.
The story revolves around a widower played by Jason Schwartzman who takes his four children to their grandfather, played by Hanks.
“In my loneliness, I’ve learned to trust the people I love completely and unconditionally,” Hanks’s character tells Schwartzman. “I don’t know if that includes you, but my daughter and your four children are.”
Their car breaks down, so they take it to Asteroid City to be repaired.
His son, played by Jake Ryan, is fascinated with the town’s annual junior stargazer game.
Soon the family is drawn to the strange city where aliens are feared.
Also in the film are Tom’s wife Rita Wilson and Tilda Swinton, Matt Dillon, Bryan Cranston, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody and Liev Schreiber rounding out the cast.
Hope Davis, Stephen Park and Rupert Friend also make an appearance.
And Maya Hawke, the daughter of Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke, plays a role in the unusual film.
Steve Carell, Willem Dafoe, Tony Revolori, Grace Edwards, Aristou Meehan, Sophia Lillis, Ethan Lee and Jeff Goldblum are also in attendance.
The film was showered with critical acclaim after its premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.
The futuristic caper will compete for the coveted Palm d’Or at this year’s ceremony.
Asteroid City opens in US cinemas on June 16 and in UK cinemas on June 23.