Mia Threapleton Shines in The Phoenician Scheme: A Breakout Star with Hollywood in Her Sights
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Wes Anderson’s cinematic universe is known for its symmetrical visuals, quirky narratives, and A-list casts. But his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme, adds a refreshing twist to that familiar formula — the breakout performance of 24-year-old Mia Threapleton, daughter of Academy Award-winner Kate Winslet. In her first major leading role, Threapleton doesn’t just rise to the occasion — she completely dominates it.
Who is Mia Threapleton?
While her last name may hint at her Hollywood heritage, Mia Threapleton is carving her own path. Born in 2000, she had her acting debut in A Little Chaos (2014), appearing alongside her mother. More recently, she’s featured in TV dramas like Dangerous Liaisons and The Buccaneers, but The Phoenician Scheme marks her cinematic coming-of-age.
Critics and audiences at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 were struck by her commanding presence, with some calling her performance “sensational” and “electrifying.” Threapleton plays Liesl, a sharp-witted, pipe-smoking, alcohol-sipping novitiate nun forced into a father-daughter road trip by her industrialist father, Zsa Zsa Korda (played by Benicio del Toro).
The Wes Anderson Factor
Wes Anderson’s films are a magnet for top-tier talent — think Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, and Adrien Brody. But with The Phoenician Scheme, Anderson and co-writer Roman Coppola pivoted the narrative to focus on the intense and complex dynamic between Korda and Liesl.
Del Toro himself admitted he was taken aback by Threapleton’s strength and stillness during auditions, stating, “She might be short, but she’s terrific.” Anderson echoed the sentiment, highlighting her ability to command space and outshine seasoned performers like Del Toro. “There’s not a moment in the film where she doesn’t feel in control,” Anderson told the BBC.
A Story That Evolved
Originally envisioned as a dark satire about unchecked capitalism and corporate greed, The Phoenician Scheme evolved into something far more intimate. Inspired by Anderson’s own family experiences and the father-daughter relationships among the cast and crew, the film re-centered itself on emotional connection rather than dystopian critique.
There’s still plenty of Anderson’s signature visual wit — deadpan performances, meticulously crafted frames, and a tongue-in-cheek black-and-white “judgement in heaven” subplot — but the emotional gravity now lies squarely with Liesl and Korda’s evolving bond.
Star-Studded Ensemble, Fresh Energy
While Threapleton commands the spotlight, she’s joined by Michael Cera as a quirky bug-obsessed tutor and Benedict Cumberbatch as a mysterious, eyeliner-wearing villain. For Cera, finally working with Anderson was a long-time dream come true, adding an extra layer of joy to the production.
Despite some critics calling the plot a “series of skits,” others hailed the movie as a deeply relevant commentary on wealth, power, and family. Either way, Threapleton’s performance is the undisputed centerpiece.
On Set: A Summer Camp Vibe
Filmed at Babelsberg Studios in Germany, the production felt more like an artistic summer retreat than a high-pressure Hollywood project. The cast and crew shared meals, stayed together, and created a collaborative environment that Threapleton described as “the best summer camp ever.”
Anderson likens his filmmaking process to a “traveling acting troupe,” with a unique camaraderie that fuels creativity. This spirit of unity and fun is part of what makes Anderson’s sets legendary — and why actors return film after film.
What’s Next for Mia Threapleton?
With her breakout role in The Phoenician Scheme, Mia Threapleton is poised to step into her own spotlight, separate from her famous mother’s legacy. Her confidence, nuance, and presence suggest a career that’s just getting started — and one worth watching closely.
From Cannes to global cinemas, Threapleton’s name is now being spoken alongside the greats. And for those wondering if she’s more than just “Kate Winslet’s daughter,” The Phoenician Scheme gives a resounding yes.
Looking Ahead: The Phoenician Scheme hits UK theaters on May 23 and the US on May 30. Don’t miss the chance to see the next big name in film — Mia Threapleton — steal the scene in true Andersonian style.
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