Woody Allen Announces Retirement Plans as Ukrainian Theater Cancels Performance

Woody Allen revealed plans to retire from directing after completing his next film, as a Kyiv theater simultaneously canceled a scheduled performance of his play due to recent controversy.

The 86-year-old filmmaker told Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia that he intends to step away from directing after finishing “Wasp 22,” a Paris-set movie scheduled to begin filming later this month. Allen stated his intention to focus on writing novels, though he hedged by saying the retirement plans were “in principle,” suggesting they might not be entirely fixed.

Theater Cancellation Reflects Ongoing Diplomatic Fallout

The Young Theater in Kyiv announced it would not proceed with today’s scheduled performance of Allen’s play “Riverside Drive”. The cancellation directly resulted from Allen’s controversial participation in Moscow International Film Week last month, which Ukrainian officials condemned as “a disgrace and an insult” to victims of Russian aggression.

Theater administration explained their decision on Facebook, stating: “We condemn the participation of American director Woody Allen in the Moscow International Film Week. Culture cannot be a cover for crimes”. The performance represented one of several cultural boycotts following Allen’s August video appearance at the Russian festival.

Retirement Plans Signal Potential Career End

Allen’s retirement announcement comes amid a decades-long career that has produced over 50 films. In previous interviews, he cited the decline of theatrical experience as motivation for stepping back from filmmaking. The director indicated he would complete “Wasp 22” before transitioning to novel writing, marking a significant shift for the prolific filmmaker.

During his appearance on Alec Baldwin’s Instagram livestream earlier this year, Allen had already hinted at imminent retirement, suggesting he would “probably make at least one more movie”. The Spanish interview appears to confirm these earlier indications about his career trajectory.

Moscow Festival Controversy Continues to Reverberate

Allen’s August 25 video appearance at Moscow International Film Week sparked international criticism, particularly from Ukrainian officials who accused him of legitimizing Russian cultural initiatives during ongoing conflict. The filmmaker defended his participation by condemning Putin’s invasion while arguing that “cutting off artistic conversations is ever a good way to help”.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry characterized Allen’s festival appearance as participation in an event that “brings together supporters and mouthpieces of Putin”. Russian media coverage showed Allen expressing admiration for Russian cinema and discussing potential future projects in the country.