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How Wes Anderson reimagined a British Pullman luxury train: The French Dispatch director gave Belmond’s carriages a typically whimsical makeover

Belmond and Hollywood director Wes Anderson have collaborated on a whimsical train experience aboard the British Pullman. Photo: Belmond
Belmond and Hollywood director Wes Anderson have collaborated on a whimsical train experience aboard the British Pullman. Photo: Belmond

  • Anderson directed The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel and his latest film features Timothée Chalamet, Owen Wilson, Léa Seydoux and Bill Murray
  • The train carriages use art nouveau stylings to evoke Cygnus, the Greek god of balance, from reflective silver leaf on the ceiling, to swan-shaped champagne coolers

Given that most of us miss travel and proper cinematic excitement more than anything these days, it’s a proper treat indeed when there’s a new experience that offers the best of both worlds.

Belmond and director Wes Anderson are collaborating on a special train experience aboard the British Pullman. Photo: Belmond
Belmond and director Wes Anderson are collaborating on a special train experience aboard the British Pullman. Photo: Belmond
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Luxury hotel brand Belmond and film director Wes Anderson have joined forces to create a special experience aboard the British Pullman, a Belmond Train. Anderson, known for his work on The Darjeeling Limited, The Grand Budapest Hotel and most recently The French Dispatch – which stars an enviable ensemble cast including Timothée Chalamet, Adrien Brody, Owen Wilson, Léa Seydoux and Bill Murray – brought his dreamlike storytelling expertise to the train’s Cygnus carriage.

Anderson brought in motifs and detailing inspired by swans and waves, from the reflective silver leaf on the ceiling reminiscent of a reflective pool, to the swan-shaped Champagne coolers. Photo: Belmond
Anderson brought in motifs and detailing inspired by swans and waves, from the reflective silver leaf on the ceiling reminiscent of a reflective pool, to the swan-shaped Champagne coolers. Photo: Belmond

Paying tribute to Cygnus, the Greek god of balance, often depicted as a swan, Anderson brought in motifs and detailing inspired by swans and waves, from the reflective silver leaf on the ceiling that’s reminiscent of a reflective pool, to the swan-shaped champagne coolers. His signature art nouveau style and unique colour palette are also apparent in the carriage, and the carriage now offers two new private coupes for a more intimate experience.

The dining car aboard the Pullman is intimate and refined. Photo: Belmond
The dining car aboard the Pullman is intimate and refined. Photo: Belmond

“I love trains! I have often had the chance to invent train compartments and carriages in my movies – so I was … very eager to make something new,” Anderson says. “[Belmond’s train projects] are keeping something special alive – igniting this endangered species of travel for a new golden era.”

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