Wes Anderson Only Wanted HIM For Role!

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Four years prior to Wes Anderson’s “The Phoenician Scheme” making its debut at Cannes on May 18, the concept for the film took shape during the festival while Anderson showcased “The French Dispatch.” Benicio del Toro played a minor yet impactful character in the movie as an incarcerated artist. However, Anderson desired to offer a larger role for the Academy Award-winning actor.

In an email to EbMaster, Anderson expressed that he had visualized Benicio in the role of a European business magnate. It seemed as though he had stepped straight off the set of an Antonioni film, wearing his sunglasses.

Initially, I wasn’t too optimistic about my role in Anderson’s new project, as it seemed comparably small to “The French Dispatch.” However, after receiving and reading a portion of the script, I found myself still deeply involved. The more pages I read, the more I realized the potential size of my part was growing. It was then that a sense of apprehension kicked in: Oh dear, this could be quite substantial!

In this story, Del Toro portrays Zsa-Zsa Korda, a prosperous business magnate who constantly avoids assassination attempts. To rescue his vast empire, he needs to reconcile with his long-lost daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), who has taken the veil as a nun. The character was inspired by real-life figures such as Armenian tycoon Calouste Gulbenkian, Aristotle Onassis, media mogul William Hearst, and construction engineer Fouad Malouf, the father of Anderson’s partner, Juman Malouf.

According to Anderson’s portrayal, Zsa-Zsa is a person who effortlessly changes direction and has no allegiance to truth. He is an individual who believes it is his duty – even his right – to influence the course of lives on a large scale. His ambition is relentless, much like a storm system. The role was specifically written with del Toro in mind, and not only does he play the lead character, but he appears in every scene of the film.

Anderson stated that del Toro was the only actor he truly contemplated for the role. He added, “Perhaps if Anthony Quinn had been an option, I might have thought about him as a possible alternative. Orson Welles would’ve fit this part nicely. Toshiro Mifune too, but as far as I’m aware, he didn’t speak English.” (All these actors are no longer alive.)

Prior to filming “The Phoenician Scheme” over a span of eight weeks in Germany, del Toro admitted that the limited rehearsal time made the task challenging. However, he trusted Anderson implicitly, stating that ultimately, one must take the leap and be confident that everything will work out just fine under his guidance.

Despite Zsa-Zsa’s high social standing, del Toro emphasized that the development of the character’s human journey was crucial, and this is where Liesl, played by Threapleton, becomes significant. Del Toro accompanied Anderson to London for her audition, and they both immediately felt a connection.

At one point, we made eye contact and it seemed to me that she might have understood Zsa-Zsa’s situation,” Del Toro explained. “She turned out to be the one who rescued Zsa-Zsa. In my opinion, without her, Zsa-Zsa would lead a very unhappy life. She was the one who sparked his sense of right and wrong.

Embarking on an exhilarating journey across the globe, I find myself alongside Zsa-Zsa and Liesl, with the soft-spoken, arthropod-fascinated tutor Bjorn, portrayed by Michael Cera, adding a healthy dose of humor to our escapade. As del Toro puts it, “He’s got that Buster Keaton thing.” He maintains a stoic demeanor, yet there’s an undefinable charm about him, akin to a certain je ne sais quoi. I believe he shines in this film, and his experience coupled with this remarkable role will certainly set sail his career to new heights.

The Phoenician Project” will undoubtedly provide Del Toro with a personal boost too. He acknowledged, “I don’t underestimate the significance of this opportunity. I know it’s a privilege.” Actors often yearn for moments like this, when a renowned director offers them a role and expresses trust, saying, ‘I’ve chosen you for this part. I’ll rely on your abilities.’ Therefore, it was a call to action, and I felt truly honored.

“The Phoenician Scheme” releases in theaters on Friday via Focus Features.

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2025-05-30 20:46