Benicio del Toro leads Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme, a film that made its debut at Cannes on May 18, marking a significant moment in the acclaimed director’s career and offering del Toro a rare starring opportunity. Originating from an idea conceived during Cannes four years earlier, the film pairs the Oscar-winning actor with Anderson’s signature storytelling, generating anticipation as it heads to theaters.
A Role Imagined at Cannes
Wes Anderson first considered Benicio del Toro for a new leading role while at Cannes promoting The French Dispatch, where del Toro previously played a striking but brief part as an incarcerated artist. Anderson revealed,
“I had a sort of image in my mind of Benicio playing a Euro business tycoon,”
and described his vision further:
“As if he has walked out of an Antonioni movie with his sunglasses.”
—Wes Anderson, Director. With that inspiration, he set out to craft a project centered around del Toro.
Del Toro Steps Into the Spotlight
Initially, del Toro expected a small part similar to his work in The French Dispatch. However, as Anderson sent more of the script, del Toro recognized the scope.
“[Anderson] sent me the next 20 pages and I’m still in it and then the next 20 pages and I’m still in it,”
del Toro explained.
“And then I started to get the fear: Oh my god, this is huge!”
—Benicio del Toro, Actor. The realization of the magnitude came as he discovered he had a starring role in nearly every shot.
Complex Characters Inspired by Real Figures
In The Phoenician Scheme, del Toro portrays Zsa-Zsa Korda, a powerful mogul evading various assassination attempts while attempting to reconcile with his estranged daughter Liesl (played by Mia Threapleton), who has become a nun. The character drew inspiration from noted figures such as Calouste Gulbenkian, Aristotle Onassis, William Hearst, and Fouad Malouf. Anderson provided insight into Zsa-Zsa’s persona:
“a man who can always pivot, and has no obligation to the truth. A man who feels empowered — and even obligated — to make decisions that redirect the lives of populations. Someone whose ambition is like a storm system.”
—Wes Anderson, Director.
Tailor-Made for Del Toro
Anderson wrote the lead part specifically for del Toro, never seriously considering anyone else for the role, except in a tongue-in-cheek way.
“He was the only one I ever considered,”
Anderson said, adding,
“Maybe if Anthony Quinn had been available, I might have considered him as a back-up plan. Orson Welles could play this part. Toshiro Mifune, but he didn’t speak English, as far as I know.”
—Wes Anderson, Director. The production, shot over eight weeks in Germany, allowed little time for rehearsal, yet del Toro felt supported:
“but in the end, you just trust [Anderson]. You just go for it, and you’re in good hands.”
—Benicio del Toro, Actor.
The Emotional Arc and Supporting Cast
Despite the business tycoon status of Zsa-Zsa Korda, del Toro stressed that
“the human arc of the character is really the heart of the piece,”
especially concerning his daughter Liesl. He recounted the audition process:
“There was this moment where we locked eyes and I was like, I think she could tell Zsa-Zsa what’s up,”
del Toro said.
“And she’s the angel that saves Zsa-Zsa. Without her, I think Zsa-Zsa is a really sad human being. It’s her who really ignites his conscience.”
—Benicio del Toro, Actor.
Joining the pair is Michael Cera as Bjorn, the timid, bug-loving tutor who brings humor to the film.
“He’s got that Buster Keaton thing,”
del Toro remarked.
“He’s stoic, but there’s something else, like a je ne sais quoi. I think he’s terrific in the film as well and he’s been around a little bit, but this is just a great part that’s going to give him sail.”
—Benicio del Toro, Actor.
A Dream Role and Its Significance
For del Toro, the opportunity marked more than just another acting gig.
“I don’t take it for granted. I know the part was a gift,”
he said.
“Actors dream of moments like this happening, where a great director says, ‘I got this part for you. I’m going to lean on your shoulders for this.’ So it was a call to arms and I just was honored.”
—Benicio del Toro, Actor.
The Phoenician Scheme arrives in theaters courtesy of Focus Features, spotlighting both Benicio del Toro’s range and Wes Anderson’s distinct vision. The film’s Cannes launch and strong cast forecast notable attention in the coming months, with audiences eager to witness del Toro’s transformation into Zsa-Zsa Korda and explore the intense, emotionally charged storytelling that Anderson is known for.
