Benicio Del Toro Shines in Wes Anderson’s New Film

LOS ANGELES, June 1, 2025 — Benicio Del Toro has received acclaim for his role in the new Wes Anderson film, “The Phoenician Scheme.” The film premiered recently in Los Angeles and will hit theaters nationwide on June 6.

Del Toro plays Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, a dubious European magnate who rethinks his life after reconnecting with his daughter, Liesl, played by Mia Threapleton. This performance adds to Del Toro’s impressive body of work, which includes an Oscar-winning role in “Traffic” and notable performances in “21 Grams” and “Che.”

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Del Toro discussed his collaboration with Anderson and the character-building process. He expressed excitement about playing Zsa-Zsa, a character crucial to the film’s narrative.

“Wes wrote the role for me,” Del Toro said. “When I heard I would be part of it, I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this is incredible.’ The character was well-written and felt like a piece from the 1950s.”

Del Toro acknowledged the help of renowned costume designer Milena Canonero, who has won four Oscars. The elaborate costumes contributed to the character’s depth.

The film boasts an ensemble cast featuring Michael Cera, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston. Del Toro noted the energy on set, especially when working alongside these accomplished actors.

Reflecting on his scenes with Hanks and Cranston, Del Toro shared, “I was initially a fan, but then I remembered we were professionals on set. It was an exciting process, and I believe the scenes turned out great.”

He also highlighted memorable scenes, including a comedic fight with Benedict Cumberbatch. “We wanted to ensure we didn’t hurt each other during the scene; it was a fun challenge,” he explained.

Mia Threapleton, new to the spotlight, impressed Del Toro. He recalled their audition, noting her strong presence that perfectly suited the character of Liesl.

As excitement builds for the film’s release, Del Toro’s performance is sure to be a highlight in reviews, showcasing his continued relevance and talent in Hollywood.