(L to R) Benicio Del Toro, Mia Threapleton and Michael Cera star in ‘The Phoenician Scheme’.
‘The Phoenician Scheme’, which is the latest film from visionary director Wes Anderson (‘The Royal Tenenbaums’ and ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel’), opens in select theaters on May 30th before opening wide on June 6th.
The movie stars returning Anderson collaborators Benicio del Toro (‘The French Dispatch’), Tom Hanks (‘Asteroid City’), Bryan Cranston (‘Isle of Dogs’), Jeffrey Wright (‘The French Dispatch’), Scarlett Johansson (‘Asteroid City’), Benedict Cumberbatch (‘The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar’), Willem Dafoe (‘The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou’), and Bill Murray (‘Rushmore’), as well as first time Anderson actors Mia Threapleton (‘The Buccaneers’), Michael Cera (‘Superbad’), and Riz Ahmed (‘Sound of Metal’).
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera and Mia Threapleton about their work on ‘The Phoenician Scheme’. Del Toro discussed his experience reuniting with director Wes Anderson and what he enjoys about working with him, while Cera talked about what it was like to join Wes Anderson’s company of actors and explore the unique worlds he creates on screen, and Threapleton discussed her character’s estranged relationship with her father and why she accompanies him on his journey.
Related Article: Movie Review: ‘The Phoenician Scheme’
Moviefone: To begin with, Benicio, can you talk about reuniting with director Wes Anderson after ‘The French Dispatch’ and what do you enjoy about working with him?
Benicio del Toro: Well, I enjoy everything, especially the final product. But the character for ‘The Phoenician Scheme’ is a much more challenging character, full of contradictions, with a hell of an arc that it required a lot of motivation to say the least. It kept me up at night, put it that way, to make sure that I deliver what needs to be delivered day in, day out. But I think that Wes’s foundation as a filmmaker, aside from the fact of the visionary he is, also, he’s an incredible writer. He really is. We were talking about this. The script reads like a novel. You could publish it and it would read like a novel. Usually, I get many scripts, I’ve done many movies, and in many of them, I create the backstory of my character. Here, I think you get the backstory of all our characters that have arcs. Michael’s, Mia’s and me, we all have arcs, but we also get the backstory, which it reads like a novel would do that. So, I think that’s the thing that makes Wes’s projects for me so powerful, beyond just a comedy or a beautiful story. Something that his movies always have, is that you can touch them, but the foundation is a story and the writing, and I think that’s really one of his strengths.
MF: Michael, what was it like for you to join Wes Anderson’s company of actors and have an opportunity to explore the unique worlds he creates on screen?
Michael Cera: It’s such a wonderful group to join. Wes just populates his productions with the most amazing people you can think of, and Mia included in that. It’s so much fun to come in. It’s always an exciting thing about jumping into a project that has this caliber of people working on it, and yeah, the worlds are just so much fun. This movie is an anthology in a way where it’s like the three of us are this unit that hop from story to story, and each one of those was brought to life by the various guest players that would come in for that week or two weeks to work on their sequence and inject a whole new energy and atmosphere into the movie. It was just amazing, and it’s great seeing those people show up and bring that character to life in front of your eyes too, and see what they look like suddenly, and sound like.
MF: Finally, Mia, can you talk about Sister Liesl’s estranged relationship with her father and why she decides to help him on his journey?
Mia Threapleton: I think when we meet her, she has her own reasons for agreeing to meet with him, which are not just because she’s been invited, but she has a lot of unanswered, long time burning questions. Because he’s invited her, I think she realizes, “Okay, he wants something from me. Well, I will acquiesce to this, but I can also get him to give me the answers that I want as well.” So, it’s a little bit like a business negotiation initially, and then by the end of that conversation, I think she realizes, “Okay, actually this is a lot larger than I thought that it was going to be, and maybe he can give me more answers over time. Maybe I’ll find out more information.” I think because of her upbringing within a convent, she literally says it. “I forgive you. We’re taught to.” So, I think there is this forgiving side of her, but I also think that she sees that he is very complex and complicated and wants to understand that more. But perhaps that’s one of the many reasons why she decides to stick it out with this rapscallion, if you will.
What is the plot of ‘The Phoenician Scheme’?
Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio del Toro) appoints his only daughter, a nun (Mia Threapleton), as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins.
Crazy Trailer for ‘Jimmy and Stiggs’ Unhinged Alien Battle Neon Horror
by Alex Billington May 28, 2025 Source: YouTube
“Like They Live meet Dead Alive on speed!” Holy whoa! File this trailer under “OMFG!” The Horror Section has launched an official trailer for a totally batshit crazy indie horror film titled Jimmy and Stiggs, the latest creation from the mad mind of horror filmmaker Joe Begos (also of Bliss, VFW, Christmas Bloody Christmas). This premiered at Beyond Fest last year and has played at other genre fests. Practical FX galore in this aliens vs men neon horror movie. Here’s a description: “Constantly high & drunk Jimmy gets a visit from some weird little grey men with big eyes & spiky needles. Joe Begos, writer, director and leading actor, brings pure madness to the screen. The brilliantly frenetic production keeps pace with Jimmy’s increasing paranoia and the wacky, handmade bloody interludes splatter the screen with hectoliters of neon-colored alien slime.” Starring Joe Begos and Matt Mercer – and tons of tiny grey aliens. This looks totally F’ing bonkers! In a good way! I’m so down for this. Exactly the kind of over-the-top ridiculous horror movie that’s perfect to watch with a genre-loving crowd at midnight. They’re sending this movie into theaters in August.
Here’s the first official trailer (+ poster) for Joe Begos’ horror film Jimmy and Stiggs, from YouTube:
“Get ready to lose your f**king mind!” A shitstorm of bad news sends out-of-work filmmaker Jimmy Lang (Joe Begos) spiraling into an out-of-control bender, during which he claims that he’d been abducted by aliens. Fearing they’ll come back, he contacts his old friend Stiggs (Matt Mercer) to help him gear up for war. When the sun sets, the duo are thrown into a hallucinatory explosion of aliens, drugs, booze, and all-out carnage.Jimmy and Stiggs is written and directed by the American indie genre filmmaker Joe Begos, director of the crazy films Almost Human, The Mind’s Eye, Bliss, VFW, and Christmas Bloody Christmas previously. Produced by Joe Begos, Josh Ethier, Matt Mercer. Presented by Eli Roth and his new label The Horror Section. This initially premiered at Beyond Fest 2024 last year. The Horror Section will debut Begos’ Jimmy and Stiggs movie in theaters starting August 15th, 2025 this summer. Looks crazy? Who’s down?
Find more posts in: Horror, Indies, Sci-Fi, To Watch, Trailer
Bonkers Kung Fu Comedy ‘Zenithal’ Trailer About a Giant D* Weapon
by Alex Billington May 28, 2025 Source: YouTube
“He’s a monster who creates monsters.” Dark Star Pictures has revealed the US trailer for a totally bonkers action comedy from France titled Zénithal, made by genre filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Saurel. This initially premiered at Fantastic Fest last year and played at other genre fests – ready for a spectacular big D release in the US this summer. A well-endowed adult film star turned Kung Fu master is maniacally murdered by an evil villain in his destructive quest for power and male domination, leaving the students to avenge him and restore peace. While they try to save their relationship, Francis finds himself accused of the murder of his former rival Ti-Kong. Fleeing from the police, Francis falls into the clutches of a rogue surgeon, determined to defend male domination at any cost. His girlfriend Sonia then takes action to rescue Francis, save their relationship, and restore peace between the sexes. Starring Vanessa Guide, Franc Bruneau, Cyril Gueï, Xavier Lacaille, Rébecca Finet, Anaïde Rozam, and Thevada Dek as Ti-Kong. The real twist in this is that he gets endowed with a gigantic metal dick (it’s HUGE!!), which becomes a big weapon that starts controlling him. Obviously mocking macho-ism & dicks. Will this be as absurdly fun as it looks? Who knows.
Here’s the official US trailer (+ poster) for Jean-Baptiste Saurel’s film Zénithal, direct from YouTube:
“Men who doubt, women who fight – a couple that grows.” Ti-Kong, the famous Kung-fu master, is found dead. Could the assassin be the Machiavellian doctor Sweeper? Insecure Francis falls into his clutches as he becomes a crucial part of Sweeper’s scheme to preserve absolute male domination over the globe. That is unless Sonia, his girlfriend, decides to take action to save him, restore their relationship, and establish peace between the sexes.Zénithal is directed by French indie filmmaker Jean-Baptiste Saurel, making his feature directorial debut with this after other short films previously; he also directed the “Zorro” series from last year. The screenplay is written by Jean-Baptiste Saurel and Elodie Wallace. Produced by Amaury Ovise. This first premiered at Fantastic Fest 2024 in Austin, TX last fall. Dark Star will debut Zénithal in select US theaters on May 30th, 2025, then on VOD in the US starting July 1st. Anyone want to watch it?
Find more posts in: Foreign Films, Horror, Indies, To Watch, Trailer
A week ago, no one could have imagined that Disney’s live-action reimagining Lilo & Stitch would make box office history and open to a record-breaking $182.6 million during the four-day Memorial Day weekend, including $146 million for the three days. Overseas, the live-action redux of the 2002 animated film about a Hawaiian girl and mischievous, dog-like alien also exceeded all expectations in starting off with $178.6 million for a global start of $361.2 million against a net budget of $100 million.
The pic is adding another milestone to its list today as it crosses the $400 million mark globally, including $200 million domestically in its sixth day in release — more than the total lifetime runs of some live-action Disney reimaginings. It’s already out-grossed the entire $273.1 million global of run of 2002’s animated Lilo & Stitch, not adjusted for inflation. To boot, it’s pacing ahead of Warner Bros.’ blockbuster A Minecraft Movie, at least in North America. In its sixth day in release, Minecraft had earned $193.2 million domestically.
One would be hard-pressed to find another movie like Lilo & Stitch. Three weeks ahead of its release, it was tracking to open to $120 million domestically. A week later, it was a $145 million, followed by $165 million on the eve of the film’s May 23 U.S. debut. Almost no one can think of a similar title popping like that, perhaps because few realized that Lilo & Stitch isn’t just a kids film. Non-families made up 57 percent of the opening weekend audience, underscoring that the property is hallowed IP for Gen Zers and younger millennials, or “zillennials.”
When a PG-rated family film can attract general audiences, it’s a recipe for magic. A Minecraft Movie, the top-grossing movie of the year to date, is another example. Ditto for A Super Mario Bros. Movie and Wicked, or Disney’s Aladdin.
Below are the records and other notable feats Lilo & Stitch has achieved, not adjusted for inflation.
Top Memorial Day Opening of All Time
Tom Cruise knew there was no way Mission: Impossible was going to beat Lilo & Stitch, but he likely didn’t expect an adorable alien creature to unseat his 2022 feature Top Gun: Maverick ($160.5 million) as the biggest Memorial Day opener of all time. Other top Memorial Day earners include Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End ($139.8 million), Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull ($127 million) and X-Men: The Last Stand ($122.9 million).
Second-Biggest Opening Ever for Any Four-Day Holiday
In North America, Lilo also boasts the second-biggest gross of all time for any four-day holiday weekend, behind the $242 million historic opening of Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther over Presidents Day weekend in 2018. The top Martin Luther King Jr. holiday opening belongs to 2020’s Bad Boys for Life ($73 million), while 2021’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is the Labor Day crown holder ($94.7 million).
Third-Biggest Opening Ever for a Disney Live-Action Reimagining
The only two titles to open higher were 2019’s The Lion King, which remains ruler of the pride with a $192 million start domestic start, followed by 2017’s Beauty and the Beast with $175 million domestically. Again, it’s the three-day number that determines the order. Without that industry rule, Lilo would be the second-biggest opening ever for a Disney live-action pic. Either way, it is only the fifth live-action reimagining to open to north of $100 million domestically. The other two were 2010’s Alice in Wonderland ($116.1 million) and 2016’s The Jungle Book ($103.3 million). And globally, Lilo has already out-grossed the entire runs of 2025 debacle Snow White ($204.2 million), 2016’s Alice Through the Looking Glass ($299.5 million) and 2019’s Dumbo ($353.3 million).
Fifth-Biggest Monday of All Time Domestically
On Memorial Day, Lilo & Stitch delivered one of the biggest grosses of all time for a Monday, with $36.6 million in ticket sales. That puts the movie in rarefied air, considering the top earners are 2018’s Black Panther ($40.2 million), 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens ($40.1 million), 2021’s Spider-Man: No Way Home ($37.1 million) and 2019’s Avengers: Endgame ($36.9 million). Lilo took the spot previously held by Top Gun: Maverick ($33.8 million).
Second-Best Domestic Opening of the Year So Far
Since box office openings officially are ranked by the three-day weekend number, Minecraft still sports the top domestic start of the year to date. Lilo‘s three-day gross was $146 million. A Minecraft Movie, which debuted to $162 million, presently sits at $940.7 million globally. It’s unlikely to become the first Hollywood title of 2025 to join the $1 billion box office club. Could that be a feat for Lilo & Stitch?
Biggest Disney Live-Action Opening Ever Across Latin America
Lilo & Stitch wowed across Latin America to seize the highest opening ever for a Disney live-action remake. Mexico led all markets with $27 million, while the third top market was Brazil with $12.2 million. Europe was also strong, where the U.K. led with $17 million. It’s overall international start of $178.6 million is the fourth-biggest ever for Disney live-action.
Seventh-Best Opening of All Time for Any PG Title
Not bad. Lilo & Stitch joins the top 10 list of biggest openings for a PG title. Disney’s film empire lays claim to eight of those, led by The Lion King, 2018’s Incredibles 2 ($182.7 million) and Beauty and the Beast. Warners’ Minecraft movie follows in fourth place. Then it’s back to Disney with 2024’s Inside Out 2 ($154.2 million), and followed by Universal’s 2023 hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($146.6 million). Next up is Lilo with $146 million, followed three other Disney releases: 2024’s Moana 2 ($140 million), 2016’s Finding Dory ($135 million) and 2019’s Frozen II ($130 million).
‘Lilo & Stitch’ and ‘Mission: Impossible’ Fuel Biggest Memorial Day Picnic of All Time
Disney’s live-action redo and Tom Cruise‘s final Mission: Impossible movie fueled the biggest start-of-summer holiday weekend of all time. Combined ticket sales for all films cleared nearly $330 million. The previous best Memorial Day frame in terms of overall revenue belonged to the $306 million in ticket sales collected in 2013 when Fast & Furious 6 zoomed to $117 million, followed by The Hangover Part III with $50 million.
Margot Robbie’s Barbie movie was a massive hit upon release, and the film has continued to have significant repercussions for viewers, for the movie industry as a whole, and for, somewhat strangely, interior design. The Greta Gerwig-helmed movie is actually a significant part of the offices of Margot Robbie’s production company And, no, they didn’t paint everything pink.
Margot Robbie appears in a new video for Architectural Digest in which she shows off the offices for LuckyChap Entertainment, her production company. Among the interesting details of the office, which I wish I could work in every day, is the fact that a few of the chairs, used by assistants in one hallway, actually came from the set of Barbie. Robbie said…
The chairs are actually in the Barbie movie, when you’re in the Mattel CEO office and all the Mattel guys are sitting around on pink chairs, these are the chairs, we just had them reupholstered.
Will Ferrell played the Mattel CEO in Barbie, with his character and the fictionalized version of the corporation being one of the more unusual elements of the film. The movie, which was also produced by Mattel, was willing to take some playful jabs at the toy company. Not every shot at the brand was entirely well-received by the head honchos but, in the end, it all worked out.
Margot Robbie was just a business owner trying to save money, and I love everything about all of this. She could have made a point to promote the fact that the chairs were from Barbie and make a big deal out of all of them, but they’re not even being used in the conference room or in the waiting room, where more people would see them and appreciate them.
The props-turned-office items are being used as by assistants and are part of the real work being done. I don’t know about you, but I’d find it very cool to be in a position to plant myself in one of the seats featured in one of the most successful movies of all time. Here’s hoping that those who do sit in those chairs from Barbie and learn of their history appreciate that.
The entertainment landscape is currently filled with massive franchises consisting of various titles (prequels, sequels and spinoffs, etc.) Game of Thrones and the Marvel Cinematic Universe are among the biggest fictional worlds in pop culture right now. But what I’ve wondered is whether Netflix’s acclaimed animated series, Arcane, could jumpstart a cinematic universe. CinemaBlend had the chance to talk to the show’s co-creator about that very subject and, while it sounds like we shouldn’t hold our breaths, he gave a great answer.
I spoke with Arcane co-creator Christian Linke and some of his collaborators about their series, which is one best shows on Netflix. Amid the chat, I knew I had to ask about the possibility of fans seeing an entire universe built from the show, given the scope of the sandbox. Linke was quick to say that it’s “possible,” but, right now, he and his collaborators have other goals involving characters and storytelling:
I think it’s possible. I think for now, we’re really just thinking about doing the individual characters, you know. We started Arcane really just with the sisters. Then we thought about, ‘Okay, who else would make sense?’ Who should kind of like show up in the story to just tell the best story?’ For now, we’re really not thinking about the cross-pollination. It’s just about the characters individually. And then you kind of find, ‘Oh, this character could be good to exist alongside this other character, and that would be a good story. And this really enriches that character story also.’ So I think we’re kind of agnostic right now, and we’re really not trying to plan ahead too much.
to see Jinx somehow return in another Arcane series. Still, I appreciate just how honest Linke is about the fact that he and his team aren’t trying to rush into anything. After all, plenty of franchises have died quick deaths because the producers put the universe before the characters.
picked Vi and Jinx to lead the show, given their popularity was low at the time.) So, considering the work the team has done thus far on this League of Legends-related IP, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt when it comes to the future. And, at the very least, it’s good to know that they do have ideas.
In general, Arcane has proven to be a success for Netflix, with the show not only garnering critical acclaim but also high spots within the streamer’s TV Top 10 list. The show’s proven to be so popular that even some people who had never even played the games before have become attached to it. All in all, it would seem that the franchise is steadily amassing a firm fanbase.
A part of me does wonder what it would be like if, in a few years down the road, fans see characters from the TV show appear in the League of Legends series in some capacity. Of course, I’m prepared to be surprised for whatever Christian Linke and the producers have in mind. Here’s hoping it’s entertaining (and does eventually spark a larger universe).
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Whether you’ve seen Arcane‘s two seasons or not, grab a Netflix subscription and check them out now.
