Michael Cera discusses his surprising lead role in The Phoenician Scheme, Wes Anderson’s latest film, revealing how taken aback he was when presented with the script. The actor first encountered the project with genuine shock, not expecting his character would remain central to the story throughout the film’s entire runtime.
“The biggest surprise — when Wes sent me the script — I didn’t expect to be along for the whole ride,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Receiving this pivotal opportunity set the tone for a transformative experience on set. Cera shared that witnessing Anderson shape the film scene by scene was a unique privilege.
“And that was thrilling to get to watch Wes basically make this whole movie.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Diving into the Role of Bjorn
In The Phoenician Scheme, Michael Cera plays Bjorn, a Norwegian entomologist whose life changes after he is hired as a tutor for Zsa-zsa Korda, portrayed by Benicio del Toro. The plot thickens as Korda, a wealthy businessman, names his daughter—played by Mia Threapleton and depicted as both his sole heir and a nun—while embarking on a complex new financial adventure involving all three characters. Their journey is defined by a series of high-stakes, wild assassination attempts targeting Korda, thrusting Bjorn into a world far beyond his usual comfort zone.
Cera, reflecting on the experience, expressed deep enthusiasm for collaborating with leading cast members such as Benicio del Toro and Mia Threapleton, alongside the acclaimed director.
“To collaborate with people like Wes and Benicio and Mia and watch them do their thing and watch the movie come together, it’s very gratifying,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
“It was nice to be along for the whole production with them.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Working on Set with Wes Anderson and the Ensemble Cast
Joining the ensemble for The Phoenician Scheme marked Michael Cera’s first experience working directly with director Wes Anderson, known for his distinct visual approach and recurring group of top-tier actors including Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Adrien Brody, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, and Anjelica Huston. Despite this being Cera’s initial entry into Anderson’s cinematic world, he stepped into the project with dedication, recognizing the singular nature of the opportunity.
“You just get one chance to make this movie, and want to make sure you deliver on the great material that Wes has created,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Cera described the challenge of living up to the quality of Wes Anderson’s scripts, emphasizing the rigorous and painstaking creative process.
“It’s really good material. I think that’s the challenge in a way: You just want to make sure you nail it. But working with Wes, you work away at it until you do feel good. He’s very relentless in that pursuit. So then you feel confident as an actor that you’re going to get it. You’re working with someone that’s not going to move on until it’s in there.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Inside Anderson’s Famous Set Life and Creative Process
Wes Anderson is renowned both for populating his films with a rotating roster of familiar faces and for hosting memorable gatherings on set. Cera attended a few of these iconic dinner parties but chose to balance work and family life, often spending his free time with his wife and two children. Occasionally, he joined private dinners with Anderson in the editing suite, getting an inside look at the director’s creative process in real time.
“I would just have dinner with Wes while he is editing the movie and see the movie kind of come together a little bit, and that was great, and it’s just exciting,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
These intimate editing sessions afforded Cera a unique vantage point into Anderson’s methodical and personal approach to filmmaking.
“It’s exciting seeing things you weren’t part of, too, seeing the movie come together and seeing a little bit how Wes works, too — it’s very particular. I feel like every step of the way, every part of the process, Wes works in a way that’s very particular to him.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Aspiring for Future Collaborations and Ongoing Projects
Now that Cera has entered Wes Anderson’s circle, fans might wonder whether he will join other recurring actors such as Jeff Goldblum, Bill Murray, or Tilda Swinton in future films. Cera is hopeful to continue the artistic relationship.
“I hope to work with Wes again,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
“I don’t know what he’s cooking now, but it would be fun. I’d love to continue working with him. He does great work, and it’s a wonderful experience, and it’s challenging and it’s fun, and you have a great time. He’s really such a great host.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Upcoming Appearances: Working with Anderson and Rupert Friend
While The Phoenician Scheme is now screening in theaters, Cera teased that fans will see him once more alongside Wes Anderson and Rupert Friend, another The Phoenician Scheme alum, in a new Montblanc commercial. Anderson and Cera acted together for the brand’s campaign, which is expected to be released soon.
“That was a lot of fun, actually, just getting to act with Wes. We shot it in March or something, and I think it’s coming out soon, maybe June or something,”
—Michael Cera, Actor
Cera expressed satisfaction with the outcome, further stoking excitement for those eager to see the actor-director duo on screen again.
“It turned out really funny, I think.”
—Michael Cera, Actor
The Impact of The Phoenician Scheme and What Lies Ahead
Michael Cera’s lead role in The Phoenician Scheme marks a career milestone for the actor, immersing him in the unique creative world of Wes Anderson. As Cera joins a celebrated group of actors frequently featured in Anderson’s films, his involvement both on-screen and in upcoming projects like the Montblanc commercial heightens public anticipation for future collaborations. The enthusiastic atmosphere on set and shared commitment to Anderson’s vision underpin what audiences are experiencing in theaters today, making The Phoenician Scheme a noteworthy addition to both Cera’s and Anderson’s impressive lists of accomplishments.
The Phoenician Scheme is currently playing in theaters nationwide.
