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Wes Anderson’s 'The Phoenician Scheme' Premieres at Cannes to Acclaim

The 1950-set adventure blends whimsical visuals with pointed satire, as Anderson compares its magnate protagonist to figures like Trump and Musk.

Overview

  • Wes Anderson unveiled 'The Phoenician Scheme' at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, ahead of its May 28 theatrical release.
  • The film follows Anatole 'Zsa Zsa' Korda, a wealthy businessman played by Benicio Del Toro, on a mission to save his empire and reconnect with his estranged daughter, Liesl, portrayed by Mia Threapleton.
  • Co-written with Roman Coppola, the screenplay draws inspiration from Anderson's late father-in-law and historical tycoons like Aristotle Onassis and Calouste Gulbenkian.
  • Anderson has publicly likened the film’s protagonist to contemporary figures such as Donald Trump and Elon Musk, highlighting their influence and power dynamics.
  • Critics have praised the film for its narrative clarity, emotional depth, and inventive visuals, marking a shift from Anderson's more intricate recent works.