Benedict Cumberbatch calls Michael Cera perfect fit for Wes Anderson in The Phoenician Scheme

Benedict Cumberbatch praises Michael Cera’s Wes Anderson debut in The Phoenician Scheme.

Benedict Cumberbatch didn’t hold back when praising Michael Cera’s debut in Wes Anderson’s cinematic world, calling the casting “divine” and likening it to “God discovering water.” Speaking at the Cannes press conference for The Phoenician Scheme, Cumberbatch said Cera’s offbeat presence was a perfect match for Anderson’s symmetrical, stylized filmmaking. His comments were reported by Variety.

Cera stars as Bjorn Lund, a shady private tutor entangled in a web of high-society drama. The ensemble cast includes Benicio del Toro as eccentric tycoon Zsa-zsa Korda and Mia Threapleton, who plays his estranged daughter, Sister Liesel — a rebellious, chain-smoking nun. Cumberbatch, reuniting with Anderson after The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, described the new film as feeling like “home.”

Anderson co-wrote The Phoenician Scheme with Roman Coppola. Set partly in Germany, the film adopts a darker tone than some of Anderson’s previous work, blending droll humor with melancholic undertones. Richard Ayoade, who appears as a Marxist revolutionary, is also slated to join Anderson and Coppola on their next collaborative project, continuing the creative partnership.

Cumberbatch praised Anderson’s directing style as “zen-like,” highlighting the disciplined yet collaborative energy on set. He also spoke highly of working alongside del Toro, calling it a “phenomenal” experience that pushed him in new ways.

Cera, meanwhile, expressed that missing out on Asteroid City was initially “crushing,” but said The Phoenician Scheme was a “redeeming” opportunity.

The all-star cast is rounded out by Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Scarlett Johansson, and others. Following its world premiere at Cannes, The Phoenician Scheme will open in limited release on May 30, 2025, before expanding to a wide theatrical release on June 6.

With critical buzz and a powerhouse ensemble, Anderson’s latest may be his most anticipated film since The Grand Budapest Hotel.