Wes Anderson is back. And he’s back in a big way with the first trailer for his new film, The Phoenician Schemea film that promises to immerse us, once again, in his unmistakable visual and narrative universe. The premiere is scheduled for May 30, 2025, from Focus Features, and is already shaping up to be one of the major cinematic events of the year.
But at LoffMusic we are not only interested in films, but also in the sound that accompanies them. And in Anderson’s case, music has always been another character.
A story of conspiracy, family and exquisite aesthetics.
On this occasion, Anderson takes us to a story of espionage, shady business and family dilemmas. The protagonist is Zsa-zsa Korda (played by Benicio del Toro), an aviation and arms industry magnate, who recruits his daughter, Liesl (played by Mia Threapleton), a nun, to carry out a dangerous land and sea infrastructure plan known as “The Phoenician Scheme”.
The cast is, as usual in Anderson’s films, absolutely stellar: Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright, Richard Ayoade, Rupert Friend, Mathieu Amalric, Hope Davis and Benedict Cumberbatch complete the line-up.
What do we know about the soundtrack of The Phoenician Scheme?
Although neither the track list nor the official composer has been confirmed yet, it is very likely that Anderson will repeat his collaboration with Alexandre Desplat, his fetish composer and Oscar winner, with whom he has worked on titles such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Isle of Dogs or The French Dispatch.
Another possibility is that the film includes classic songs and psychedelic rock or retro music gems, as is the filmmaker’s custom, who has been able to turn his musical taste into his trademark. It is enough to remember how Hank Williams and Les Paul sounded in Asteroid City, or the use of The Kinks in Rushmore.
We will be watching for details of The Phoenician Scheme’s soundtrack, which will undoubtedly be as meticulous and evocative as its millimetric framing.
A long-awaited return after Asteroid City
After the success of Asteroid City (2023) and the acclaimed short The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Oscar winner in 2024), Anderson returns with a project that is more ambitious in tone, cast and message. Co-written with Roman Coppola and with cinematography by the talented Bruno Delbonnel, The Phoenician Scheme is shaping up to be a stylish satire with touches of thriller and a polished pop aesthetic.
🎬 The film will have a limited release on May 30 and will expand its distribution to more theaters starting June 6.
🎥 Watch the official trailer here:
Conclusion: when film and music meet in style
We at LoffMusic will be on the lookout for every new revelation about the soundtrack of The Phoenician Scheme. Because in Wes Anderson’s universe, music is not a detail: it is the soul of the story.
And this new film promises as much for moviegoers as for music lovers.
Editor: LoffMusic / Movies & Soundtracks / April 2025
