On Friday, May 30, fans will be treated to the newest film directed by Wes Anderson, The Phoenician Scheme. A new entry in the espionage black comedy genre, fans were treated to a new trailer released on Monday, April 7, and it excites fans for what should be a unique, enjoyable film. The cast for The Phoenician Scheme is truly star studded, including Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, Imad Mardnli, and Benedict Cumberbatch. That is a highly, highly decorated assortment of huge names.
The Phoenician Scheme Trailer Draws Fans In
The Phoencian Scheme stars Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda. Korda is one of the richest men in Europe, but he is not safe. He is consistently under threat by entities and people who want to take him down. Having had enough, Korda plans to fake his death; except, perhaps he is not attempting to fake it. With his daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), and family tutor, Bjorn (Michael Cera), in toe, Korda does everything he can to protect the family business.
Wes Anderson gave an interview in 2023 in which he gave some insight into the direction of the film. “I can’t tell you much more than that except that it will be about espionage, a father-daughter relationship, and, let’s say, with a rather dark tone.” These themes play out in the trailer, which truly highlights the strength and depth of the cast lineup.
The Phoenician Scheme’s darkness immediately shows off, with images of a plane crash overlayed by a breaking news bulletin on Korda’s death, drawing viewers in. However, it is quickly revealed that the lead protagonist is not dead at all and has actually been in six plane crashes. Speaking to his daughter, who is also a nun, Korda informs her that she will inherit his estate and that it could come sooner rather than later. The remaining trailer highlights the stunning cast, the plans to bring Korda’s estate to pieces, and questions whether the attempts to cheat death are Korda’s ideas or someone else’s.
The over-the-top humor, highlighted with dynamite bundles and outside terrorists, combined with the foreboding sense of darkness and death, the juxtaposition offers a unique theme and a moral dilemma: what would a father go through to protect his family’s assets?
Final Thoughts
The trailer looks fantastic, and Wes Anderson, as always, has collected a historic group of castmates to pull off his latest concept. Fans of comedy and dark humor should be drawn to The Phoenician Scheme, and the cast should easily nail the delivery. With a plotline and theme that will keep viewers guessing, The Phoenician Scheme could set up to be one of the most entertaining and thought-provoking film releases this summer. Enjoy Wes Anderson’s new entry in theatres starting on May 30.
