Benicio Del Toro’s lead role in The Phoenician Scheme tested his acting abilities more than any previous project, with director Wes Anderson placing him at the center of every scene in this ensemble-driven film now playing in theaters. As Del Toro steps into the complicated shoes of Zsa-zsa Korda, the story’s gripping espionage twist, vibrant cast, and Anderson’s signature direction set the stage for an experience he describes as both challenging and exhilarating.
Returning Faces Mix With Newcomers for Anderson’s Latest Espionage Drama
The Phoenician Scheme marks another collaboration for many of Wes Anderson’s regulars, including Jeffrey Wright, Scarlett Johansson, and Bryan Cranston, all bringing familiar energy and style. Anchoring the story, Benicio Del Toro portrays Zsa-zsa Korda, a determined businessman forced to launch multiple ventures while facing a series of adversaries threatening his plans and safety.
The ensemble also features emerging talents. Mia Threapleton plays Liesl, Zsa-zsa‘s daughter who has embraced life as a nun, and Michael Cera joins as Bjorn, the family’s tutor. The film balances a mix of reunion and fresh energy, as Threapleton and Cera both make their first appearances in the director’s distinct storytelling universe. This film also reunites Del Toro with The French Dispatch co-stars, deepening the collaborative threads running throughout Anderson’s newest work.
Wes Anderson’s Demanding Vision for the Lead Performance
While promoting Asteroid City, Wes Anderson hinted at crafting an espionage thriller with a “dark tone” and unique structure, explaining that Del Toro would appear relentlessly throughout the feature. This placed a high level of responsibility on the lead actor, adding emotional weight to the performance.
“Benicio del Toro in every shot.”
—Wes Anderson, Director
Del Toro himself shared how Anderson’s approach influenced his mindset:
“He never put it that way [to me],”
—Benicio Del Toro, Actor
He reflected on the challenges of carrying so much of the film’s narrative and noted the strength of Anderson’s writing:
“I think had he done that, I would’ve got real scared. I was scared, but not that scared. The script was so good. It really was like a motivational pill. Anyone would love to play a character like that. I think all the characters, Michael’s, Mia’s, myself, they all have arcs and that’s really exciting for an actor. That’s always a challenge and fun.”
—Benicio Del Toro, Actor
First-Time Anderson Actors Find Belonging in the Ensemble
Michael Cera and Mia Threapleton, both new to the director’s ensemble, said the experience was welcoming despite initial anxieties. Set alongside seasoned Anderson collaborators, Cera commented on becoming part of the tightly-knit group:
“You’re not treated like an outsider,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Cera elaborated on the supportive environment:
“Everybody’s very gracious and there is a sort of familiar atmosphere, which is just nice to step into. You’re folded right into it. The three of us got together with Wes for a week and a half just alone in a room rehearsing. So that was a nice way to just kind of boil everything down to what we were all working on together and get our heads in it and form a little unit.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Mia Threapleton, cast as Zsa-zsa Korda’s daughter, described the daunting sensation of stepping into such a significant role for the first time. Her nerves were eased by the welcoming attitude of the crew, as she recounted her experience upon arriving on set in Germany:
“I remember arriving in Germany, going to the hotel, and I just didn’t know anybody,”
—Mia Threapleton, Actor
“I remember going downstairs for lunch, having that moment of thinking, ‘Okay, I think this is going to feel a bit like a big school. I’ll just sit in the corner on my own. I don’t really have a clan yet.’ I walked in, and the grip team and the camera team were there, and they all went, ‘Oh Mia, it’s so lovely to meet you. Come sit with us!’ They just folded me in. Not a lone wolf, part of the pack instantly.”
—Mia Threapleton, Actor
The Impact and Anticipated Influence of The Phoenician Scheme
The Phoenician Scheme pushes the boundaries of Benicio Del Toro’s capabilities, as Wes Anderson’s determination to keep him at the center of the story brings a heightened sense of involvement and emotional complexity. Anderson’s continued practice of mixing trusted actors like Wright, Johansson, and Cranston with new voices such as Threapleton and Cera maintains the ensemble’s dynamic appeal. With its atmospheric espionage intrigue and the weight of a lead role in nearly every shot, Benicio Del Toro’s performance in The Phoenician Scheme is poised to set a new standard in his career and among Anderson’s catalog of collaborations. Audiences and critics alike will watch closely how this unique approach shapes both Del Toro’s legacy and future film ensemble casts.
