Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme: Spy Comedy Lands in UK Now
Wes Anderson, the maestro of whimsical storytelling, returns with his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, set to land in UK cinemas on 23 May 2025. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, this espionage comedy has sparked buzz for its star-studded cast, intricate visuals, and quirky take on a family-driven narrative. With Anderson’s signature style and a fresh dive into the world of spies, the film promises a unique cinematic experience. Here’s the latest on this Wes Anderson adventure, plus a look at his classic films to revisit, all through TGI Movie.
A New Adventure in Anderson’s Universe
The Phoenician Scheme follows Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro), Europe’s richest industrialist, who faces constant assassination attempts due to his dubious business empire. Joined by his estranged daughter, a trainee nun named Liesl (Mia Threapleton), and tutor Bjorn (Michael Cera), Korda launches his ambitious “Phoenician Land and Sea Infrastructure Scheme” while navigating betrayals and a secret committee led by Excalibur (Rupert Friend). The ensemble cast includes Tom Hanks, Scarlett Johansson, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jeffrey Wright, Bill Murray as a divine figure, and more. Co-written with Roman Coppola and inspired by Anderson’s late father-in-law, Fouad Malouf, the film blends dark comedy with existential themes, featuring visions of a black-and-white afterlife. Shot at Babelsberg Studios in Germany, the production boasts elaborate sets by designer Adam Stockhausen, with Cannes attendees praising its “dreamlike” aesthetic and vibrant palettes, from jungle quicksands to Egyptian-themed mansions.
Buzz from Cannes 2025
The film’s world premiere on 18 May 2025 at Cannes earned a 7.5-minute ovation, leaving Mia Threapleton in tears, with Anderson arriving by bus alongside del Toro, Cera, and Ahmed. The cast has lauded Anderson’s optimistic vision, with Jeffrey Wright telling the BBC, “It’s creatively satisfying... extraordinarily refreshing in an incredibly cynical time.” Rupert Friend added that Anderson’s curiosity for life makes the film a reminder that “life is amazing.” The trailer, already trending, showcases knockabout humour and meticulous frames, setting expectations high for UK audiences.
Synopsis
Dark tale of espionage following a strained father-daughter relationship within a family business. Twists revolve around betrayal and morally gray choices.
Wes Anderson Classics to Revisit
Prepare for The Phoenician Scheme by streaming these Wes Anderson gems, available on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ in the UK:
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The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014): A concierge (Ralph Fiennes) and his lobby boy chase a stolen painting in a vibrant hotel, blending whimsy and adventure. Its Oscar-winning design is a perfect primer.
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Moonrise Kingdom (2012): This tender tale of young runaways on a 1960s island features Bruce Willis and Bill Murray, offering heartfelt nostalgia and charm.
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Rushmore (1998): A precocious high school student (Jason Schwartzman) navigates love and rivalry, with sharp humour and raw emotion that still resonate.
Catch The Phoenician Scheme with TGI Movie
Get ready for Wes Anderson’s latest with TGI Movie. Visit our page to find showtimes at UK cinemas, including subtitled screenings, and book tickets. Add The Phoenician Scheme to your Watchlist and explore our Genres section for more comedy-dramas. Don’t miss this visually stunning spectacle in cinemas now!
Synopsis
The Grand Budapest Hotel recounts the adventures of legendary concierge Gustave H. and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy who becomes his most trusted friend. The story involves the theft of a priceless painting; a raging battle for an enormous family fortune; and a desperate chase on motorcycles, trains, sleds, and skis – all against the back-drop of a suddenly and dramatically changing Continent.
Synopsis
Set on an island off the coast of New England in the 1960s, as a young boy and girl fall in love they are moved to run away together. Various factions of the town mobilize to search for them and the town is turned upside down – which might not be such a bad thing.
Synopsis
RUSHMORE is the story of a gifted, rebellious teenager named Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman), a 10th grader at elite Rushmore Academy. Editor of the school newspaper, captain or president of innumerable clubs and societies, Max is also one of the worst students in the school, and the threat of expulsion hangs permanently over his head. Max's world is rocked when he falls for elegant 1st grade teacher Miss Cross (Olivia Williams) and he plans to erect an aquarium in her honor – then finds himself competing for her affections with his friend, steel tycoon Mr. Blume (Bill Murray), the wealthy father of two of his classmates.