Stanisland Magazine

Here’s everything you need to know about Wes Anderson’s new film.

What can I say about Wes Anderson? His initial film circuit debut brought him acclaim, thanks to a revival of a long gone style of cinema.

But these intriguing features of auteur capture rarely work against a backdrop of familiar narratives and sigh inducing scripts. He’s now a marketing asset more than the focus of originality.

The Phoenician Scheme Lacks Everything

His latest project, The Phoenician Scheme, appears to be yet another tired trope of his own making. Once again, its character development appears to portray the depth of a mollusk, and its dramatis personae might as well say, ‘I have no feelings,’ on repeat throughout each act. This bland and deadpan rotisserie of performance grows stale with the each release; his desire to regurgitate rather than innovate only works when we get a new story.

Monotonous Story

The same actors, the same characters, the same cadence; it’s all there for us to roll our eyes at. But in this muted and frequented blueprint, is the inspiration for future schemas to be tormented by. At least we know what his next project will be about: the last one.

Regular punters of Anderson’s earlier work remain attracted to his nostalgic representation of art house. This is understandable given the brain rot on offer nowadays. But, the motifs he sustains run dry, as he fails to pivot from shovelling frameworks as a one trick pony.

The Plot

It follows Zsa-zsa Korda, a wealthy European magnate, (and arms dealer with interests in aviation), who dies in a plane crash. His fortune is left to his daughter, a nun named Liesel, played by Mia Threapleton. The story unfolds as an espionage style thriller, as she aims to protect the family fortune from Bjorn (Michael Cera).

Film Cast and Production Crew

A regular Wes Anderson lineup returns, including Scarlett Johansson, Benicio Del Toro, Tom Hanks, Benedict Cumberbatch, as well as newcomers, Bryan Cranston, Richard Ayoade, Michael Cera, and Mia Threapleton.

Rupert Friend makes his debut for the director, likely due to his appearance in British comedy smash, The Death of Stalin. It’s co-written by frequent and fellow collaborator, Roman Coppola.

It’s produced by Anderson’s own, American Empirical Pictures, and Indian Paintbrush.

The film will be distributed by Focus Features in the United States, and internationally by Universal Pictures.

Filming Locations

The entire picture was shot at Babelsberg Studios in Germany, Potsdam.

Release Date

The Phoenician Scheme is slated for an international release, May 23rd 2025 and on June 6th 2025 in the US.