Being captivated by a Wes Anderson ensemble is an effortless endeavor; they are a constellation of Oscar winners, cinematic legends, and blockbuster stars, all gracing the same meticulously adorned screen. However, the allure of the Anderson troupe takes on a new dimension when you find yourself at the helm of his cinematic universe. Mia Threapleton, reflecting on her experience, exclaims, "As a performer, it was nothing short of awe-inspiring to navigate the scenes, experimenting freely and delving into creativity amidst a plethora of immensely talented individuals that he gathers." She continues, "Personally, it was the most surreal episode of my life, standing beside Tom Hanks and thinking, 'Oh my god, it's Woody!'"
Hanks is but one member of the stellar ensemble in 'The Phoenician Scheme,' a film that boasts Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Riz Ahmed, among others, with Benicio Del Toro, Michael Cera, and Threapleton forming the core trio. "I've admired these actors all my life, watching their films with unwavering affection," says Threapleton, who now finds herself amidst them in this very film.
Slated for release on May 30 by Focus Features, 'The Phoenician Scheme' features Del Toro as European tycoon Zsa-Zsa Korda, a figure who has constructed a global empire through questionable business tactics. Narrowly escaping yet another assassination attempt, he names his heir: his estranged and only daughter, Liesl, a nun on the brink of taking her vows, portrayed with poise by Threapleton.
It is fitting to say that Threapleton's journey into acting was a natural progression from a tender age. She reminisces, "I was always staging plays in the garden with my cousins, around the age of ten when I boldly declared my aspiration aloud." However, even as the daughter of Kate Winslet, Threapleton admits to being unfamiliar with the nuances of the entertainment industry and the behind-the-scenes dynamics of a film set.
"She maintained a steadfast demarcation between her professional endeavors and family life," recounts Threapleton, whose talent was first recognized in a high school play, leading to her being signed by an agent. "When in the office, she was all about her work; stepping out, she transformed into 'Mom.' I never really entertained the notion of, 'I'll go it alone.' Yet, that's precisely what transpired, and my mother, who paved her own path when younger, was my steadfast advocate."
Despite this, Threapleton hasn't hesitated to collaborate with her mother, Winslet, most notably in Channel 4's 'I Am…'. Her resume has since burgeoned, including credits in Apple TV+'s 'The Buccaneers' and bit parts in films alongside Jude Law ('Firebrand') and Gillian Anderson ('Scoop'). By far, her most prominent role to date is in 'The Phoenician Scheme'.
In May 2023, an intriguing email from her agents arrived, hinting at a new Anderson project. "It merely stated 'young girl' – a teaser of sorts," shares Threapleton, who became a fervent admirer of Anderson's work after watching 'Moonrise Kingdom' at the tender age of 12. The audition marathon stretched over six months, encompassing self-taped auditions, live readings, meetings, and screen tests, ultimately culminating in her securing the role of Liesel. Anderson himself commented to THR, "We auditioned numerous candidates, but when she walked in, it was abundantly clear she was the one."
'The Phoenician Scheme' weaves a tale of inheritance, both literal and metaphorical. Del Toro's Zsa-Zsa and Threapleton's Liesl anchor the narrative, their father-daughter bond serving as the fulcrum amidst Anderson's signature stylings, delving into the depths of generational trauma.
For over a week and a half, del Toro, Threapleton, Anderson, and Cera engaged in intensive rehearsals and lengthy discussions, meticulously crafting the characters that would form the backbone of their months-long shoot at Berlin's Studio Babelsberg. Prior to production, the director tasked Threapleton with creating some of her on-screen props. "He meticulously constructs this immersive world," she remarks of an Anderson set. "You live, breathe, and embody it round-the-clock. It was so enveloping that it felt almost impossible to discern reality from fiction."
Before heading to the Cannes Film Festival, where 'The Phoenician Scheme' will compete in the main competition, Threapleton had the privilege of a solo screening in London. "The opening credits commenced, and I couldn't hold back the tears," she chuckles. "Then, my face filled the screen, and I thought, 'Wow, that's a lot of me!' As the credits rolled, I was awestruck, thinking, 'I did that!'"
