‘The Phoenician Scheme’ Trailer: Wes Anderson Returns With Espionage Black Comedy

The first trailer for The Phoenician Scheme, Wes Anderson’s newest film, has officially dropped—and with it, the director’s unmistakable style returns in full force. This marks Anderson’s twelfth feature-length film and his follow-up to the critically acclaimed Asteroid City (2023), as well as a series of short films he released on Netflix that same year. As always, Anderson brings his signature visual flair and an all-star ensemble to the table.

The Phoenician Scheme (2025)
The Phoenician Scheme (2025)

The Phoenician Scheme features several returning collaborators from Asteroid City and The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The cast doesn’t stop there—joining them are Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Mia Threapleton, Jeffrey Wright, Willem Dafoe, and, of course, Bill Murray, in what appears to be his first on-screen reunion with Anderson since The French Dispatch.

Set for release on May 30, 2025, the timing of The Phoenician Scheme positions it perfectly for a potential premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, a recurring stop for Anderson’s recent work. The French Dispatch and Asteroid City both debuted there, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this latest outing follow suit.

While plot details remain tightly under wraps, the trailer teases another stylized, intricately constructed world filled with dry wit, symmetrical framing, and emotionally distant characters operating inside visually maximalist miniatures. Since The Grand Budapest Hotel, Anderson’s films have leaned further into hyper-stylized production design—diorama-like sets, stop-motion-inspired blocking, and his now-signature pastel palettes.

Wes Anderson’s other films include Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Moonrise Kingdom.

Watch the trailer for The Phoenician Scheme below:

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