Michael Cera Opens Up About Working with Wes Anderson on The Phoenician Scheme — Plus a Sneak Peek at Their Next Project

Michael Cera Opens Up About Working with Wes Anderson on The Phoenician Scheme — Plus a Sneak Peek at Their Upcoming Collab

When Michael Cera first got the script for Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, he didn’t exactly know what to expect. "The biggest shock," Cera told Entertainment Weekly, "was realizing I’d be along for the whole ride." He hadn’t anticipated his character would be such a central part of the story. That revelation turned out to be pretty thrilling — not just because he got to stay in the film from start to finish, but because it gave him the rare chance to watch Wes Anderson build a movie in real time.

And build it, Wes did.

An Ensemble Like No Other

Cera stars as Bjorn, a quirky Norwegian entomologist who enters the picture as a private tutor for Zsa-zsa Korda (played by Benicio del Toro), a wealthy, mysterious businessman. Things get even more complicated when Korda names his daughter — a nun played by Mia Threapleton — as the sole heir to his fortune. Bjorn, the daughter, and Korda find themselves tangled up in a wild financial scheme, with plenty of drama, oddball moments, and even assassination attempts thrown into the mix.

Working alongside big names like Benicio del Toro and Mia Threapleton, Cera called the experience “very fulfilling.” He described collaborating with Anderson and the cast as a special kind of magic. “Watching the movie come together with Wes and Benicio and Mia — it’s really gratifying,” Cera said. “It felt great to be part of the whole production with them.”

First Time With Wes, But Definitely Not the Last?

It’s wild to think this was actually Michael Cera’s first time working with Wes Anderson, the legendary director behind films like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Royal Tenenbaums. Cera fit right into the quirky, meticulously crafted world Anderson is known for — complete with a hilarious accent, kooky mannerisms, and glasses that made his eyes look tiny. Bjorn’s character felt like he was born to be part of that cinematic universe.

And yet, Cera didn’t take the opportunity for granted. "You just get one chance to make this movie," he reflected. "You want to make sure you deliver on the great material Wes has created. It’s really good material, and that’s the challenge: you want to nail it."

What helped Cera feel confident on set was Wes Anderson’s dedication. “He’s really relentless — you work until it feels right, until he’s happy. That’s reassuring as an actor, because you know you’re in good hands. Wes won’t move on until it’s nailed.” That persistence means everyone ends up delivering their best.

Dinner with Wes? Yes, Please!

Anyone who’s seen behind the scenes of a Wes Anderson movie knows about the famously unique vibe on his sets. Alongside a rotating cast of Hollywood’s elite, these sets often feature legendary dinner parties where actors and crew come together to bond. Cera did attend a few of these gatherings but, being a family guy, he usually preferred to spend breaks with his wife and two young kids.

That said, he had a particularly memorable experience sharing private dinners with Wes in the editing suite itself. “I’d have dinner with Wes while he was editing, watching the movie slowly come together. It was exciting,” Cera shared. “Seeing parts of the film I wasn’t even in, and getting a peek at how Wes works — it’s very particular. Every step of the process has his stamp all over it.”

Joining the Anderson Universe?

Wes Anderson’s films have a sort of “who’s who” of actors, including Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, and many more. So, will Michael Cera become a regular in this iconic lineup?

“I really hope so,” he said with a grin. “I don’t know what Wes is cooking up next, but I’d love to keep working with him. It’s challenging and fun, and Wes is such a wonderful host. He creates a great environment, and it’s just a wonderful experience.”

A Sneak Peek at a Fun Side Project

Fans don’t have to wait too long to see Cera and Anderson team up again, either. Michael Cera revealed he recently starred alongside Wes Anderson himself — and fellow Phoenician Scheme co-star Rupert Friend — in a Montblanc commercial.

“That was a lot of fun,” Cera said. “We shot it back in March, and it should be coming out around June. It turned out really funny, actually.” Cera’s excitement about acting with Wes in a completely different setting shows just how much he values the creative connection with the director.

Why The Phoenician Scheme Stands Out

The movie itself is shaping up to be a wild, delightful Wes Anderson tale. The story’s mix of eccentric characters, intricate plotting, and visually rich storytelling feels tailor-made for the director’s signature style. Michael Cera’s Bjorn adds a unique flavor, balancing comedy and heart with a weirdly endearing charm.

The Making of a Movie: What Working with Wes Really Means

For Cera, the experience was more than just acting. It was about understanding Wes Anderson’s distinct approach — from scripting to shooting to editing — and being part of a process where every detail counts.

He explained that working with Wes means being ready to dive deep and keep pushing until the scene or moment feels exactly right. “Wes is very particular, but in the best way,” Cera said. “He’s got a vision and a rhythm, and when you’re on the same page, it’s like magic.”

Final Thoughts

Michael Cera’s journey into the Anderson world is a perfect example of how a collaboration between an actor and a visionary director can bring fresh energy to the screen. From the initial shock of the script to intimate dinners in the editing suite, Cera soaked it all in and came away inspired.

With The Phoenician Scheme about to hit theaters, and the Montblanc commercial dropping soon, it’s clear Cera’s partnership with Wes Anderson is just getting started. And fans? They’re in for a real treat.

Highlights at a Glance:

• Michael Cera was surprised to be part of the entire Phoenician Scheme story.

• Cera’s Bjorn is a quirky Norwegian entomologist caught in a wild financial plot.

• Private dinners with Wes Anderson gave Cera a unique behind-the-scenes view.

• Wes Anderson’s relentless perfectionism helped Cera feel confident on set.

• Cera hopes to keep joining the Anderson “family” in future projects.

• A Montblanc commercial starring Cera, Anderson, and Rupert Friend is coming soon.

• The collaboration promises more quirky, heartfelt storytelling ahead.