The Phoenician Scheme cast and character guide: Who plays whom in Wes Anderson's dark comedy

Wes Anderson is back, and he’s brought his weird little universe with him, this time wrapped in trench coats, pastel colors, and a whole lot of emotional damage. Released on May 29, 2025, The Phoenician Scheme drops us into a hyper-stylized 1950s fever dream where Cold War espionage meets existential crisis, and nothing makes sense, which is exactly why the film works. The plot? An infamous arms dealer survives an assassination attempt, experiences a midlife revelation, and names his teenage daughter, who’s training to become a nun, as his heir.

Naturally, chaos ensues. There are betrayals, identity swaps, shady alliances, spiritual confusion, classic Anderson mess, all polished to the point of madness. And of course, the cast is a killer lineup, with every actor playing their parts like they are naturally woven into the fabric of the story. So, who’s playing who in this dark, hilarious spy spiral? Let’s dive in.

Note: This article contains spoilers.

The Cast of The Phoenican Scheme

Benicio del Toro as Anatole "Zsa-Zsa" Korda

Focus Features' "The Phoenician Scheme" New York Premiere (Image via Getty)

Benicio del Toro plays Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda with a calculated blend of menace and vulnerability in The Phoenician Scheme. As a powerful arms dealer surviving yet another assassination attempt, Korda begins to confront the legacy he’s leaving behind. Choosing to name his daughter, who is training to become a nun, as his heir, he embarks on an unexpected journey toward redemption.

Del Toro, known for layered performances in films like Traffic (2000), Che (2008), 21 Grams (2003), and Sicario (2015), uses his signature intensity to portray a man slowly shedding his empire’s ruthlessness. By the film’s end, Korda sacrifices his influence to protect his daughter, finally finding redemption in the act of letting go.

Mia Threapleton as Sister Liesl

Mia Threapleton brings quiet defiance and emotional depth to the character of Sister Liesl in the film. As a young nun-in-training suddenly named heir to her father’s arms empire, Liesl is caught between a life of devotion and a legacy built on violence. Threapleton, known for her performances in films such as Shadows (2020), Dangerous Liaisons (2022), and Apple TV+’s The Buccaneers (since 2023), steps into her first lead film role with remarkable confidence.

Her restrained yet powerful portrayal adds a moral core to the film’s chaotic heart. Under Wes Anderson’s direction, she delivers a performance that’s both soulful and sharp, anchoring the story with grace, conviction, and quiet rebellion.

Michael Cera as Bjørn Lund

Focus Features' "The Phoenician Scheme" New York Premiere - Source: Getty

Michael Cera plays Bjørn Lund, a meticulous Norwegian entomologist and Korda’s trusted tutor and assistant. Known for roles in Juno and Arrested Development, Cera brings a subtle blend of awkward intelligence and steady calm, anchoring the film’s quirky, tense atmosphere with quiet depth and wit.

His character is also a constant throughout the film, as he goes on to accompany Korda and Liesl on their adventures. Later in the film, he is exposed to have been a double agent but ends up falling for the Korda family and marries Liesl.

Benedict Cumberbatch as Uncle Nubar

"The Phoenician Scheme" Red Carpet - The 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival (Image via Getty)

In the film, Benedict Cumberbatch portrays Uncle Nubar, Korda’s estranged half-brother. Known for Sherlock and The Imitation Game, Cumberbatch delivers a sharp, complex performance as a calculating rival with hidden motives.

Later in the film, he is revealed to be quite the traitor, having been behind all the attempts at Korda's assassination.

Scarlett Johansson as Cousin Hilda Sussman-Korda

Scarlett Johansson steps into the role of Cousin Hilda Sussman-Korda, a woman as sharp and calculated as the head of the empire she’s tied to. Hilda is not just Korda’s second cousin but also his prospective wife, deeply involved in overseeing the sprawling utopian outpost that’s crucial to Korda’s vision.

Johansson brings her trademark blend of strength and subtle vulnerability, crafting a character who’s both an ambitious strategist and a complex family player. With a career spanning impactful films like Her (2013), Jojo Rabbit (2019), and Lost In Translation (2003) to blockbuster superhero films, she adds rich layers to Hilda’s poised, sometimes ruthless presence, perfectly fitting the film’s darkly comic tone.

Tom Hanks as Leland

Tom Hanks plays Leland, a wary investor from Sacramento navigating the treacherous currents of Korda’s empire in The Phoenician Scheme. He is one of the potential investors for Korda's scheme and is getting ready to fund 50% of the budget shortfall.

More members from The Phoenician Scheme's cast

The cast of The Phoenician Scheme has quite a few notable performances, and the ensemble cast consists of a lot of actors besides the star-studded primary cast. Acting credits in the film are given to:

Riz Ahmed as Prince Farouk, the crown prince of Phoenicia.
Bryan Cranston as Reagan, Leland's grouchy brother and business partner.
Mathieu Amalric as Marseille Bob, a gangster, nightclub owner, and Korda investor.
Richard Ayoade as Sergio, a revolutionary guerrilla.
Jeffrey Wright as Marty, a Korda investor from Newark.
Rupert Friend as Excalibur, a government agent charged with destroying Korda's business empire.
Hope Davis as Mother Superior, Liesl's boss at the convent.
Bill Murray as God.
Charlotte Gainsbourg as Korda's first wife.
Willem Dafoe as Knave, Korda's heavenly defense attorney.
F. Murray Abraham as Prophet[8].
Stephen Park as Korda's pilot.
Alex Jennings as Broadcloth, Korda's butler.
Jason Watkins as Notary, Korda's attorney.
Donald Sumpter as Chairman
Scott Shepherd as Field Reporter
Karl Markovics as Hermit
Tonio Arango as Assassin #1 (Desert), who tries to kill Korda in Phoenicia.
Stéphane Bak as Radical Freedom Militia Corps 1
Aysha Joy Samuel as Radical Freedom Militia Corps 2
Mohamed Chahrour as Marseille Bob's Bodyguard
Imke Büchel as Governess
Anna Bardorf as Governess
Imad Mardnli as Farouk's Bodyguard
Jaime Ferkic as Chauffeur
Beatrice Campbell as Young Liesl