5 Reasons to Watch The Phoenician Scheme

Wes Anderson's Directorial Flair

One of the most revered writer-directors in Hollywood, Anderson is celebrated for classics like Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums and The Grand Budapest Hotel. The story of a business tycoon, Zsa Zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), looking to execute a complex business scheme in post-war Europe, whilst also connecting with his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton), The Phoenician Scheme boasts Anderson’s usual stylish mix of drama and comedy, in addition to some brilliantly executed set-pieces – all of which makes for a bona fide cinematic feast.

(L to R) Actor Mathieu Amalric, director Wes Anderson, actors Mia Threapleton and Benicio Del Toro during the production of THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME. Credit: Roger Do Minh/TPS Productions/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

The Incredible Cast

For many years, Anderson has had Hollywood’s A-list queueing up to work with him. Even still, this time around, the auteur has truly outdone himself. As well as del Toro and Threapleton, the galacticos-like assemblage of talent also includes – deep breath – Tom Hanks, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera and Benedict Cumberbatch. Seeing such a phenomenally talented ensemble at the top of their game is truly a sight to behold.

(L to R) Mia Threapleton as Liesl, Benicio Del Toro as Zsa-Zsa Korda and Michael Cera as Bjorn in director Wes Anderson's THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME, a Focus Features release.
Credit: Courtesy of TPS Productions/Focus Features © 2025 All Rights Reserved.

The Bill Murray Cameo

Having become a comedy superstar in the likes of Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, the second act of Bill Murray’s career – as the doyen of indie cinema – was launched by Anderson in 1999’s Rushmore.

Even amongst Murray’s memorable array of roles in Anderson movies, his turn in The Phoenician Scheme stands apart, with the actor landing the part he may have been born to play: God. Boasting his usual comedic flair, it makes for another hugely memorable moment in Murray’s glittering career.

The Tom Hanks / Bryan Cranston Double Act

As Zsa Zsa looks to execute his business scheme, and thus realise the full socio-economic potential of the country of Phoenicia, he looks to bring onboard a series of business partners. Chief among them are the duo of Leland and Reagan, played respectively by Tom Hanks and Breaking Bad legend Bryan Cranston. In a bravura sequence set in an underground railroad, the iconic pair demonstrate brilliant comedic chemistry, while during an impromptu basketball game, Hanks even lands a spectacular three-pointer from downtown!

The Memorable Comedic Moments

As acute as Anderson’s observations are on family dynamics and wider society, his movies are primarily wildly entertaining. The Phoenician Scheme again delivers wonderfully on this front, with a series of wickedly funny moments, culminating in a hysterical, climactic showdown between Zsa and the magnificently bearded Uncle Nubar (Benedict Cumberbatch). It’s a stunning scene in another must-watch movie from one of cinema’s foremost auteurs.

• The Phoenician Scheme is out now.  Watch the trailer below;