Wes Anderson Discusses New Film at Cannes Ahead of Premiere

CANNES, France — Wes Anderson is gearing up for the premiere of his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, at the Cannes Film Festival. Scheduled for release on May 30, the film features Benicio del Toro as a European tycoon entangled in questionable business practices. Anderson has previously showcased three films at Cannes, making each premiere a highlight of the festival.

The film tells the story of Zsa-Zsa Korda, played by del Toro, who is under threat from assassination attempts and appoints his estranged daughter, Liesl, as his heir. Mia Threapleton portrays Liesl, who is torn between her newfound responsibilities and her life as a nun. The film includes a star-studded cast with Anderson regulars such as Scarlett Johansson and Tom Hanks.

In a recent interview, Anderson reflected on the unique experience of showcasing a film at Cannes. He described the atmosphere as simultaneously thrilling and terrifying, noting the giant staircase leading into the theater creates a spectacle. “You feel like you’re on display, and it’s terrifying a bit,” he said. “But the walk in is great!”

Anderson also shared insights into his creative process and the origins of The Phoenician Scheme. He mentioned that part of the inspiration came from his father-in-law, Fouad Malouf, a larger-than-life figure from Lebanon. “He was wise and intelligent but a little scary,” Anderson explained. “There are many details of this character that draw on him.”

The filmmaker has been enthusiastic about incorporating elements of ensemble performance in his work. He often writes roles with specific actors in mind, citing del Toro as the only choice for the lead. “There are some actors—if they had been available, then maybe I would have considered them, but I think they died,” he joked.

As the festival approaches, Anderson anticipates the moments of joy entwined with the anxiety of the premiere. He finds joy in arriving at the festival with his cast via bus, a decision he embraced to enhance the group experience despite initial skepticism from others.

With The Phoenician Scheme set to premiere soon, Anderson expressed excitement about the film’s themes. He hopes audiences will engage deeply with the story and its characters, allowing viewers to uncover layers of meaning over multiple viewings.