Wes Anderson is back with his 13th feature, The Phoenician Scheme—an eccentric espionage comedy that brings together one of the most jaw-dropping ensemble casts of the year. From Benicio del Toro to Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and rising talent Mia Threapleton, the film promises all the signature Anderson flair with a thrilling twist.
Co-written with longtime collaborator Roman Coppola (Moonrise Kingdom, The French Dispatch), the film dives headfirst into a spy-fueled adventure laced with offbeat humor, stylized visuals, and larger-than-life characters.
A Wild Plot with an Even Wilder Cast
At the center of the story is Zsa-zsa Korda, a bold and bizarre millionaire portrayed by Benicio del Toro. He’s survived six plane crashes, sired nine sons and a nun (yes, really), Liesel—played by Mia Threapleton. Alongside them is Michael Cera’s character, a mild-mannered tutor named Bjorn Lund, who joins their globe-trotting mission to salvage Korda’s crumbling business empire.
The journey takes them through a maze of colorful characters including a lavishly bearded Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch), a mysterious figure named Excaliber (Rupert Friend), and a charismatic freedom fighter played by Richard Ayoade.
Anderson Regulars Return
Fans of Anderson’s previous work will be delighted to see a lineup of familiar faces. Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Mathieu Amalric, and Jeffrey Wright all return to his whimsical world, each bringing their unique energy to this ambitious ensemble.
Eyes on Cannes
The Phoenician Scheme is set for a theatrical release in late May, but buzz is already building around a potential premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier that month. Given the director’s prestigious track record and the film’s international intrigue, it seems like a perfect fit for the Croisette.
With its blend of espionage, eccentricity, and emotional undercurrent, The Phoenician Scheme might just be one of 2025’s most anticipated cinematic offerings.
