AceShowbiz - The Phoenician Scheme, Wes Anderson’s latest film, may not have dazzled at the box office but is now gaining significant traction on streaming platforms. Released in May 2025 following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film earned a modest $40.5 million worldwide against a $30 million budget, marking it as one of Anderson’s lower-grossing movies. However, the movie has found a new audience on HBO Max, where it currently ranks number six on the platform’s international top 10 most-watched movies list, according to Flix Patrol. It’s important to note that The Phoenician Scheme is unavailable on HBO Max in the U.S., though viewers can watch it on Prime Video instead.

The Phoenician Scheme showcases Anderson’s signature style and ensemble casting despite its initial commercial underperformance. Fans of the director and the cast will find much to appreciate in this 1950s-set drama.

At the heart of The Phoenician Scheme is Benicio del Toro’s character, Anatole "Zsa Zsa" Korda, an immensely wealthy arms dealer embarking on his most ambitious venture: industrializing the fictional nation of Phoenicia. The film explores Zsa Zsa’s complex journey, which includes surviving multiple assassination attempts and attempting to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Liesl, played by Mia Threapleton, who has taken vows as a nun.

True to Anderson’s style, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, Bryan Cranston, Jeffrey Wright, Rupert Friend, Benedict Cumberbatch, and his longtime collaborator Bill Murray. Among the standout performances is Michael Cera, who makes his debut in an Anderson film as Bjorn, a socially awkward entomologist harboring a dark secret, much to the delight of viewers and critics alike.

Although The Phoenician Scheme did not achieve blockbuster status during its theatrical run, its growing popularity on streaming platforms highlights the evolving landscape of film consumption. The film’s rich narrative, unique characters, and Anderson’s distinct visual flair continue to attract audiences worldwide, proving that some movies find their true audience long after their initial release.