Director Wes Anderson has achieved another impressive accomplishment with his latest film, as Wes Anderson box office success with The Phoenician Scheme has set a new record for limited-release openings this year. Debuting in only six locations, the espionage comedy drew overwhelmingly positive reviews and posted the strongest per-screen average of 2025 so far.
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Breaks Limited Release Records
Anderson, renowned for his precise and unique filmmaking style, has kept up a prolific pace following the pandemic, releasing three major features and several short films. The Phoenician Scheme is his newest cinematic outing, premiering in just six theaters and collecting over $570,000—translating to a per-theater average of $95,000. This figure surpasses any other film‘s per-theater average this year, even though it falls short of the $132,000 average reached by Anderson’s Asteroid City when it opened in four locations not long ago.
Past works by Anderson, including Asteroid City and The French Dispatch, have demonstrated similar box office strength. Asteroid City, produced with a $25 million budget, went on to earn nearly $55 million worldwide, while The French Dispatch generated $45 million globally with the same budget and an opening in 52 theaters at a $25,000 average per theater. Moonrise Kingdom, another staple of Anderson’s career, kicked off with $130,000 per theater from four venues in 2012. However, the all-time superstar remains The Grand Budapest Hotel, holding an unmatched $200,000 opening average per theater in its early days.
Impressive International Reception and Critical Response
Beyond its domestic performance, The Phoenician Scheme has pulled in an additional $6.1 million from audiences overseas, resulting in a sturdy $6.7 million global box office debut. The film first appeared at the Cannes Film Festival, vying for the coveted Palme d’Or, reflecting its status as a prestigious entry for Anderson.
The film carries a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, signaling a generally favorable critical consensus. Therese Lacson of Collider observed,
“feels both like a return to form for Anderson while also feeling like an evolution for the auteur as his style changes bit by bit.”
– Therese Lacson, Film Critic
A Star-Powered Ensemble Cast
The Phoenician Scheme boasts an impressive array of acting talent characteristic of Anderson’s projects. Benicio Del Toro leads the ensemble, accompanied by Jeffrey Wright, Michael Cera, Riz Ahmed, Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, Richard Ayoade, Mathieu Almaric, Hope Davis, Mia Threapleton, and Bryan Cranston. Key roles include Del Toro as Zsa-zsa Korda and Mia Threapleton as Sister Liesl, each immersed in the thriller’s web of secrets and relationships.
This cast, featuring figures like Riz Ahmed, Scarlett Johansson, Hope Davis, Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Benedict Cumberbatch, Richard Ayoade, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Willem Dafoe, Rupert Friend, Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Mathieu Almaric, highlights the film’s wide appeal. Their collaboration deepens the intrigue and emotional complexity at the heart of the story.
Espionage and Family Intrigue Drive the Plot
Set in an intricate world of espionage, The Phoenician Scheme follows a tangled father-daughter connection within a family-run enterprise. As truths are unveiled and loyalties tested, the characters navigate both personal and professional adversity. The film, which opened on May 28, 2025, combines suspense and emotional resonance, delivering a story filled with twists and dramatic stakes.
Anticipating Further Expansion and Lasting Impact
As The Phoenician Scheme prepares to expand its theatrical run, its early box office performance signals strong potential for further growth. Wes Anderson’s consistent ability to attract both critical praise and audience interest is reinforced by this opening, and the film’s performance stands as a testament to his enduring reputation in the industry. Viewers can expect the movie to reach wider audiences in the coming weeks and secure its place among Anderson’s top achievements at the box office.
