Their Asteroid City co-star Tom Hanks has been caught up in controversy after appearing to ‘scold’ a worker at Cannes Film Festival.
So it’s possible Scarlett Johansson, 38, and Bryan Cranston, 67, were reading up on the news as they were glued to a mobile during a photocall for their new movie.
The duo seemed in good spirits if not slightly distracted as they posed for snaps on Wednesday alongside fellow stars like Maya Hawke and Steve Carell.
Yet noticeably missing from the line-up was Tom, 66, who did not attend because he had another engagement back in the States that he needed to attend.
He flew back to the US shortly after he was pictured looked uncharacteristically frustrated as he jabbed a finger at a man during their film’s premiere the night before.
Catching up: It’s possible Scarlett Johansson, 38, and Bryan Cranston, 67, were reading up on the news about Tom Hanks as they were glued to a mobile during a photocall for their movie
What’s going on here? Their Asteroid City co-star Tom Hanks has been caught up in controversy after appearing to ‘scold’ a worker at Cannes Film Festival
Tom’s actress and producer wife Rita Wilson, who also stars in the film, could be seen holding her hand up in front of her as she spoke to the unnamed man.
However, Rita has now set the record straight on what really happened, taking to Instagram hours later to clear the air about the ‘altercation’.
Sharing a picture of the moment, Rita wrote: ‘This is called “I can’t hear you. People are screaming. What did you say? Where are we supposed to go?” ‘We had a great time. Go see Asteroid City!’
Tom has not commented on the incident and missed the chance to make a statement at the film’s photocall due to a prior engagement that he had been scheduled to attend.
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 frame a boost while she accessorised with gold hooped earrings and wayfarer sunglasses.
Also looking stylish was Maya Hawke who donned a quirky flared denim jumpsuit adorned with large gold buttons.
Asteroid City, which is 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
Larking around: Bryan pulled funny faces as he larked around for the cameras
Team: Steve Carell, Rupert Friend, Stephen Park, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Wes Anderson and Bryan Cranston posed for a group snap
Denim darling: Also looking stylish was Maya Hawke who donned a quirky flared denim jumpsuit adorned with large gold buttons
Radiant: Maya added a pop of colour to her look with a slick of scarlet lipstick
Loving life: Jeffrey Wright (L) and Jason Schwartzman played up for the cameras
Here he is: Matt Dillon seemed in good spirits at the photocall
Suited and booted: Rupert Friend opted for a dapper cream linen suit while Steve Carell looked suave in a navy number
Sitting pretty: After the photocall the cast sat down for a press conference about the film
Woman of the hour: Scarlett beamed as her colleagues offered her rapturous applause
Laugh a minute: Jeffrey, Rupert and Maya couldn’t contain their giggles on the panel
Is this thing on? Director Wes Anderson appeared to be having some trouble with his mic
The movie 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, which is designed to unite students and parents in scholarly competition, things go haywire when a world event takes place.
The story centers on a widower played by Jason Schwartzman who takes his four children to see their grandfather, played by Hanks.
‘In my loneliness, I’ve learned to give complete and unquestioning faith to the people I love,’ Hanks’ character tells Schwartzman’s. ‘I don’t know if that includes you, but it included my daughter and your four children.’
Their car breaks down so they take it to Asteroid City to get repaired.
His son, played by Jake Ryan, is fascinated by the city’s annual junior stargazer competition.
Soon the family becomes drawn in by the strange city where there are fears about aliens.
Also in the movie is Tom’s wife Rita Wilson as well as Tilda Swinton, Matt Dillon, Bryan Cranston, Ed Norton, Adrien Brody and Liev Schreiber help round out the cast.
Hope Davis, Stephen Park, Rupert Friend make appearances as well.
And Uma Thurman and Ethan Hawke’s daughter Maya Hawke has a role in the offbeat movie.
Steve Carell, Willem Dafoe, Tony Revolori, Grace Edwards, Aristou Meehan, Sophia Lillis, Ethan Lee and Jeff Goldblum are included as well.
The film was showered with rapturous reviews after its premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.
The futuristic caper is playing in competition for the coveted Palm d’Or at this year’s ceremony.
Asteroid City is set to be releases in US cinemas on June 16 and in UK cinemas on June 23.