Wes Anderson discusses casting Bill Murray as God in The Phoenician Scheme, shedding light on the unusual process during a recent interview. The director detailed how Murray’s entry into the divine role happened almost effortlessly while describing how the film’s surreal afterlife scenes unfolded in production.
Casting Choices That Seemed Beyond Human Decision
While promoting The Phoenician Scheme, Anderson described his uncertainty about whether selecting Bill Murray to play God was his own choice. He reflected on the decision and said,
“I don’t know that we chose Bill to play God… possibly God did,”
— Wes Anderson, Director.
This unique candidness set the tone for the casting approach, underlining just how naturally Murray fit into the character, especially once he donned the signature robes and beard.
Anderson explained that Murray’s portrayal offered more than just theatrics, characterizing his interpretation as,
“an informal God who is creating without making a show of it,”
— Wes Anderson, Director.
Once Murray arrived costumed on set, his demeanor seemed to embody the part in a sincere, almost uncanny way. As Anderson described, there was nothing artificial about his performance as God.
The Surreal Afterlife and Zsa-zsa Korda’s Journey
Murray’s depiction of God unfolds in a stylized afterlife inhabited by the character Zsa-zsa Korda, played by Benicio del Toro. The narrative follows Korda through multiple near-death experiences and repeat visits to this strange realm, each time giving Korda space for reflection and growth. According to Anderson,
“Some of the most important changes in Benicio’s character Zsa-Zsa are taking place during these sort of visions that he’s having,”
— Wes Anderson, Director.
The afterlife scenes thus serve as critical turning points in the protagonist’s arc.
Practical Effects and Creative Homages
In bringing this vision of heaven to life, Anderson decided to rely solely on practical effects. He intentionally skipped digital enhancements, stating,
“We wanted it to all exist in front of the camera,”
— Wes Anderson, Director.
The filmmakers constructed an immersive, 360-degree cloud-filled set, creating a tactile and atmospheric version of the afterlife. The scenes also featured a biblical ensemble that included F. Murray Abraham, Charlotte Gainsbourg, and Willem Dafoe, with Anderson noting,
“It’s sort of the way biblical settings and characters were portrayed during the Renaissance,”
— Wes Anderson, Director, and adding,
“Ours is the black and white version of that.”
— Wes Anderson, Director.
Production Details and Notable Cast
The filming of The Phoenician Scheme took place at Babelsberg Studio in Germany. Wes Anderson co-wrote the screenplay with Roman Coppola, assembling an ensemble cast with Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, and Michael Cera in leading roles. The supporting cast featured prominent names such as Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, Benedict Cumberbatch, and others. The creative decisions, from casting Bill Murray as a subdued deity to utilizing practical sets and legendary actors like Willem Dafoe, F. Murray Abraham, and Charlotte Gainsbourg in a biblical context, reflect Anderson’s ongoing dedication to distinctive cinematic storytelling.
The film’s combination of inventive production, spiritual symbolism, and an impressive cast positions The Phoenician Scheme as an anticipated release. What comes next will reveal how Anderson’s vision resonates with audiences and further shapes his reputation for creative, nuanced storytelling.
