Wes Anderson, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Asteroid City, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and the Academy Award-winning The Grand Budapest Hotel, has released the first trailer for his eagerly awaited comedy, The Phoenician Scheme. The film, which is set to hit theaters on May 30, promises to bring Anderson’s signature quirky storytelling to the big screen once again.
Anderson, who has a long-standing collaboration with filmmaker Roman Coppola, has assembled an impressive ensemble cast for his latest project. Among the stars featured are Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Bill Murray, Michael Cera, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Hanks, who also appeared in Anderson’s Asteroid City.
The plot of The Phoenician Scheme revolves around a troubled family business, with Benicio del Toro taking the lead role as Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy millionaire with nine sons and a daughter. His daughter, Liesel, is portrayed by Mia Threapleton, the daughter of Kate Winslet. Liesel, a nun, is suddenly thrust into the center of the family’s complex affairs after her father reveals that she is the sole heir to his estate.
The trailer opens with Zsa-zsa Korda recovering from his sixth plane crash, setting the stage for the family’s unraveling. As Zsa-zsa confides in Liesel about her inheritance, she is quick to question his motives, especially given their strained relationship over the past six years. Zsa-zsa’s cryptic response—”I have my reasons”—sets the tone for the unfolding drama.
As the story progresses, other members of the star-studded cast, including Michael Cera, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Hanks, find themselves entangled in chaotic events. One of the most striking moments of the trailer occurs when Liesel encounters an assassin in an elevator. After the assassin’s identity is revealed, he takes a “suicide pill,” only to be met with Liesel’s unexpected act of faith, splashing him with holy water and reciting a prayer.
Fans of Wes Anderson have already expressed excitement online, praising the trailer’s distinctive style and the stellar cast. “Cinematography is always insane in Wes’ films,” one fan commented on YouTube, while another noted, “I can’t believe this’ll actually be Michael Cera’s first time in a Wes Anderson movie. It’s like he was born to be in these films.” Another user quipped, “Every time I think Wes Anderson has out-Wes-Anderson’d himself, he goes ahead and Wes Andersons even more Wes Andersony than before—it’s astounding.”
Wes Anderson’s directorial debut came in 1996 with Bottle Rocket, a thriller featuring a cast that included Owen Wilson and his brothers, Luke and Andrew. The Phoenician Scheme is set to be his latest exploration of eccentric characters and visually stunning cinematography.
Fans eagerly await what promises to be another unique entry in Anderson’s illustrious filmography.
