As Wes Anderson’s newest film, The Phoenician Scheme, arrives in theaters, moviegoers and critics alike are already buzzing about which Hollywood stars might join his famous ensemble casts next. Exploring the best actors who should collaborate with Wes Anderson, this article spotlights ten performers whose unique talents and comedy sensibilities seem tailor-made for Anderson’s visually distinct, witty filmmaking style.
How Anderson’s Cast Choices Shape His Films
Every Wes Anderson film is marked by his signature look and offbeat humor, but it is often the cast members who bring his vision to life, making or breaking the movie. Throughout his career, Anderson has worked repeatedly with comedic mainstays such as Bill Murray and Owen Wilson, while also recently expanding his club of collaborators by introducing fresh faces. The director’s peculiar visual approach seems to require not just skilled actors, but those with a flair for quirky, understated comedy—a quality found in each of the following ten stars.
10. Rainn Wilson: Comedy’s Deadpan Standout
Rainn Wilson, best known for embodying Dwight Schrute on The Office and for his role in Super, possesses a style of humor that mirrors Anderson’s: awkward, dry, and off-kilter. Comedy fans have noticed similarities between Wilson’s comedic presence and the tone crafted by actors like Richard Ayoade and Michael Cera, both of whom have impressed in Anderson’s latest project, The Phoenician Scheme.
While Wilson has appeared in numerous productions since his sitcom heyday, none have matched the impact of The Office. A pairing with Wes Anderson could revitalize Wilson’s profile, providing him with new material to showcase his comic range, while adding a reliably sharp performer to Anderson’s circle of recurring talent.
9. Sam Rockwell: Master of Absurdist Comedy
Sam Rockwell’s filmography boasts a wide spectrum of roles, with standout performances in dramas as well as in more zany, comedic films like Jojo Rabbit and Seven Psychopaths. In celebrity ensembles, Rockwell has often emerged as a standout, steering a talented group with his mix of dry wit and energy.
Rockwell’s blend of sarcasm and slapstick seamlessly aligns with Anderson’s sensibilities. With the director’s track record of molding the best from comedic personalities, Rockwell’s quick humor and physicality suggest he would flourish in one of Anderson’s ensemble-driven storylines.
8. Aubrey Plaza: The Queen of Deadpan
Aubrey Plaza’s signature deadpan delivery and razor-sharp comic timing, as seen in Parks & Recreation and The White Lotus, make her a natural candidate for Anderson’s next project. She has made a name for herself through a style that balances sarcasm with subtlety, which would fit beautifully into the layered atmospheres Anderson achieves by blending big, bold comedic turns with quieter performances.
With comedians like Bill Murray and Tom Hanks regularly appearing in Anderson’s films, the inclusion of Plaza—an experienced comedian celebrated for her unique presence—feels inevitable and highly anticipated among fans and critics alike.
7. Walton Goggins: Bridging Drama and Humor
Fresh off acclaim for his turn in The White Lotus, Walton Goggins has proven adept at walking the line between intense drama and infectious comedy. Recently enjoying a career resurgence, Goggins has become an actor coveted by top filmmakers for his versatility and magnetic screen presence.
Known for thriving in ensemble projects, Goggins seems poised for Anderson’s brand of cinema, which typically assembles sprawling casts full of dynamic personalities. His ability to contribute both humor and gravitas would likely make him a strong and memorable addition to any future Anderson-led cast.
6. Zooey Deschanel: Eccentric and Endearing
Zooey Deschanel became a household name with New Girl, but her charm extends to film roles in productions like Yes Man and 500 Days of Summer. Although she is recognized as a comedic powerhouse, Anderson’s distinct humor might encourage her to explore new aspects of her performance style—specifically the more eccentric and subtly awkward territory his films occupy.
Audiences have learned to expect certain actors to fit effortlessly into Anderson’s worlds, and while Deschanel has not yet had the opportunity to fully embrace the director’s quirky comedic strain, the possibility holds exciting promise for both her and Anderson’s fans.
5. Adam Driver: Dramatic Depth Meets Comedic Opportunity
Wes Anderson has a unique knack for casting actors known primarily for their dramatic work and handing them thoroughly comedic roles. Adam Driver, acclaimed for performances in Marriage Story and House of Gucci, has quietly demonstrated a strong comedic ability, most notably in Inside Llewyn Davis.
There’s a precedent for this kind of pivot in Anderson’s films; Ralph Fiennes’s comedic turn in The Grand Budapest Hotel is often cited as one of the director’s finest casting decisions. For Driver, joining Anderson’s crew could be the vehicle to showcase his lighter side for the very first time in this stylish, energetic setting.
4. Nicolas Cage: Eccentricity in the Ensemble
Nicolas Cage has established himself as a master of unique character work, from his early days in Fast Times at Ridgemont High to his headline performances in Raising Arizona and Face/Off. His reputation for embracing wild, unpredictable roles makes him a compelling fit for Anderson’s world of idiosyncratic personalities.
Cage is customarily cast as the star, dominating the screen with his persona. Watching him integrate into an Anderson ensemble—as one quirky part among many—would be a fascinating experiment and potentially a highlight for fans of both the director and the actor.
3. Robert De Niro: Bringing Gravitas and Underused Humor
While much of Robert De Niro’s legacy rests on dramatic masterpieces such as Taxi Driver and The Irishman, he has shown off his sense of humor in films like Dirty Grandpa and Meet The Parents. Still, his forays into comedy have sometimes resulted in divided opinions, with less critical acclaim than his work in drama.
Anderson, however, has a proven ability to create strong comedic roles for otherwise dramatic performers. For De Niro, teaming with Anderson could mean finally receiving widespread praise for his comic chops in a sophisticated, artistically ambitious setting.
2. Christopher Walken: The Unexpected Comic Genius
The fact that Christopher Walken has yet to appear in a Wes Anderson film surprises many critics, given his dry wit and offbeat presence. Walken’s style, seen in classic films such as Pulp Fiction and the series Severance, closely echoes the oddball energy often present in Anderson’s scripts and direction.
Walken’s unforgettable Pulp Fiction monologue embodies the deadpan style Anderson writes so well. The potential for this collaboration to produce both critical and audience acclaim is high, with fans of both eagerly awaiting the possibility.
1. Robert Pattinson: The Next Versatile Lead
Robert Pattinson’s rise from Twilight heartthrob to critically respected actor has been marked by an impressive range, seen in projects from The Batman to the dark comedy Mickey 17. His diverse performances, from outlandishly eccentric roles to more restrained, somber characters in films such as The Lighthouse, show just how adaptable he is.
With The Phoenician Scheme introducing fresh talent like Mia Threapleton to Anderson’s universe, there is no question that Pattinson could be a compelling new addition. Whether embodying a bizarre character or a subdued role, he would undoubtedly thrive within Anderson’s visually stunning, comedic ensembles.
The Anticipated Impact of New Collaborators
Wes Anderson’s signature style relies on assembling cast members capable of both comedic brilliance and dramatic depth. Actors like Aubrey Plaza, Adam Driver, and Robert Pattinson offer fresh opportunities for the director to evolve his storytelling, inspiring anticipation for what their potential collaborations could bring. As The Phoenician Scheme continues to draw audiences to theaters, speculation and excitement grow around the next cast lineup Anderson will reveal, ensuring that each new project from the legendary filmmaker remains a highly anticipated event in Hollywood.
