Wes Anderson is back to paint the screen with perfectly centered chaos and pastel existentialism in The Phoenician Scheme. A new poster just dropped ahead of its Cannes 2025 debut, confirming the film will open in theaters on May 30, 2025. Here’s your guide to everything we know so far.
The First Poster Channels Classic Anderson Vibes
Unveiled by Focus Features, the poster is peak Wes: symmetrical, color-saturated, and mysteriously inviting. A Mediterranean skyline anchors the background while the foreground features a group of sharply dressed characters posed in Anderson’s signature tableau style. There’s an old-world luxury liner, golden hour tones, and a vibe that screams vintage espionage.
The Release Date Is Locked for May 30
Following its Cannes world premiere, The Phoenician Scheme will begin a limited U.S. theatrical release on May 30, 2025, with a wider expansion scheduled for June 6. Focus Features is distributing the film in the U.S., with Universal Pictures International handling global territories.
Plot: A Multinational Mystery with a Monastic Twist
According to Focus Features, the film follows Zschokke “Zsa Zsa” Korda, a wealthy European industrialist known for surviving several aviation accidents. After declaring his daughter Liesl—who is also a nun—as his heir, the two set off to build a global transit network called “The Korda Land and Sea Phoenician Infrastructure Scheme.” Along the way, they’re met with resistance from rivals, saboteurs, and spies. Expect Anderson’s take on Cold War absurdity filtered through family drama, geopolitical satire, and meticulous production design.
The Cast Is a Rich Mix of Regulars and Newcomers
As usual, Anderson has assembled an ensemble stacked with his regulars and a few fresh faces:
- Benicio del Toro as Zsa Zsa Korda
- Mia Threapleton as Sister Liesl
- Michael Cera as Bjorn Lund, the tutor
- Scarlett Johansson
- Bryan Cranston
- Willem Dafoe
- Rupert Friend
- Tom Hanks
- Tilda Swinton
- Benedict Cumberbatch
- Riz Ahmed
- Jeff Goldblum
- Adrien Brody
- Tony Revolori
- Jarvis Cocker
- Hope Davis
- Jason Schwartzman
Mia Threapleton, daughter of Kate Winslet, makes her Anderson debut in a major role.
Filmed at Studio Babelsberg, Not Italy
Despite early rumors of an Italian shoot, The Phoenician Scheme was primarily filmed at Studio Babelsberg in Potsdam, Germany, from March to June 2024. The controlled environment likely gave Anderson full reign over the film’s stylized sets and color palettes.
Bruno Delbonnel Replaces Robert Yeoman as DP
Marking a major shift in visual style, this is Anderson’s first feature-length collaboration with cinematographer Bruno Delbonnel, known for his painterly work with the Coen brothers and Tim Burton. Alexandre Desplat returns as composer, continuing their Oscar-winning partnership. Adam Stockhausen reprises his role as production designer.
Cannes Premiere Positions It for Awards Season
The film will premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, where Anderson has previously screened Moonrise Kingdom, The French Dispatch, and Asteroid City. Early critical buzz could cement The Phoenician Scheme as a contender for major awards next season.
Where to Watch Wes Anderson’s Other Films
To prep for The Phoenician Scheme, you can stream several of Wes Anderson’s previous films:
- The French Dispatch (Hulu)
- The Grand Budapest Hotel (Max)
- Moonrise Kingdom (Prime Video)
- Isle of Dogs (Disney+)
- Asteroid City (Peacock)
