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Paul Thomas Anderson has tapped Cooper Hoffman, the 17-year-old son of the late actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, for the lead role in his next feature, currently shooting under the working title Soggy Bottom. The news, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, adds a poignant layer to a project that already boasts a cast of newcomers and familiar faces.

Cooper Hoffman, who has no prior acting credits, will play a high school student and child actor in the film, which is set in the 1970s. The casting marks a symbolic passing of the torch, as his father, Philip Seymour Hoffman, was a frequent collaborator of Anderson's, appearing in five of the director's films, including Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and The Master.

Set photos from the production, which began circulating online in late August, first sparked speculation about Cooper's involvement. A photo shared on social media by awards analyst Erik Anderson on August 30 prompted the question, "Is that…Philip Seymour Hoffman's son in the new PTA?" The confirmation has since been met with a mix of excitement and nostalgia among fans of both the director and the late actor.

Joining Cooper in the cast is Alana Haim, a member of the band HAIM, who is also making her acting debut. Benny Safdie, known for his filmmaking partnership with Josh Safdie, has also been confirmed to appear in the film, following his presence in set photos. Safdie's character is reportedly inspired by Joel Wachs, a real-life Los Angeles City Council member who was known for his flamboyant personality and who did not publicly come out as gay until the late 1990s.

Bradley Cooper is also attached to the project, though details about his role remain under wraps. Based on his appearance in leaked photos, some observers speculate that his character may be inspired by Jon Peters, the Hollywood producer known for his work on A Star Is Born.

Filming in the San Fernando Valley

Production on Soggy Bottom is currently underway in and around the San Fernando Valley, a location that holds historical significance for Anderson, who has often set his films in the San Fernando Valley area. The film's title, a colloquial term for a marshy area, adds to the period atmosphere.

The project marks Anderson's first feature since 2017's Phantom Thread, and it continues his tradition of casting both established actors and newcomers. The inclusion of Cooper Hoffman, in particular, carries emotional weight given his father's legacy with Anderson. Philip Seymour Hoffman's collaborations with the director are widely considered among his most celebrated work, and his performance in Capote, which won him an Academy Award, remains a benchmark of his career.

As production continues, the film has generated significant buzz, not only for its casting choices but also for the air of mystery surrounding its plot. With a mix of debutants and seasoned performers, Soggy Bottom is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases from the director, though no release date has been announced.