Just a matter of months stands between us and the cinematic marvel from the estimable Wes Anderson. Anderson's eagerly anticipated 12th feature film, titled "The Phoenician Scheme," has been scheduled for a grand theatrical debut on May 30, 2025, under the aegis of Focus Features. This studio, which previously acquired the worldwide distribution rights to Anderson's 2023 offering, "Asteroid City," will once again champion his latest endeavor. The timing of this release hints at a potential premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where "Asteroid City" made its mark in 2023.
This collaboration marks the third film between Anderson's Indian Paintbrush Productions and Focus Features, following the release of their 2012 hit, "Moonrise Kingdom." Focus Features plans a limited U.S. release on May 30, with a subsequent expansion to wider audiences on June 6. Meanwhile, Universal Pictures International will handle the international distribution duties.
Interestingly, the limited release date coincides with Sony's remake of "The Karate Kid," while it faces competition from Lionsgate's "Ballerina," a spinoff of the popular "John Wick" franchise. Given this strategic timing, it's highly plausible that Focus Features is positioning "The Phoenician Scheme" for a Cannes Film Festival launch, mirroring the successful trajectory of "Asteroid City," which premiered at Cannes before going on to gross $53.8 million worldwide during its summer release.
Anderson not only directed but also co-wrote "The Phoenician Scheme," reuniting with Roman Coppola for the screenplay. The official synopsis, intriguingly succinct, bills it as "The story of a family and a family business." Leading the stellar ensemble cast is Benicio del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda, an individual described as one of Europe's wealthiest figures. Mia Threapleton stars as Sister Liesl, Korda's nun-daughter, with Michael Cera portraying Bjorn Lund, their tutor. The ensemble is rounded out by an impressive line-up including Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, Richard Ayoade, Rupert Friend, Hope Davis, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Reports surrounding "The Phoenician Scheme" suggest it's an espionage thriller centered around a fraught father-daughter relationship, navigating the moral ambiguity that envelops them. Named after the ancient maritime traders who once thrived in the Mediterranean region, roughly where modern Lebanon stands today, the film promises a rich tapestry of history and intrigue.
Produced by Anderson under his American Empirical Pictures banner, alongside his long-standing partners Steven Rales of Indian Paintbrush, Jeremy Dawson, and John Peet, "The Phoenician Scheme" was filmed in Germany in association with Studio Babelsberg. In 2023, Anderson also directed a quartet of short films based on Roald Dahl's works for Netflix, with "The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar" notably earning him his maiden Oscar.
