Benedict Cumberbatch made quite the stylish entrance at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on Sunday, May 18, for the premiere of his latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The 48-year-old actor arrived at the Grand Theatre Lumiere with his wife, Sophie Hunter, turning heads even with his right arm in a sling. While the cause of his injury is still a mystery, Cumberbatch looked effortlessly charming in a classic black tuxedo, complemented by a sleek wristwatch and brown sunglasses.
Elegant Red Carpet Appearance
Sophie Hunter, 47, radiated vintage glamour in a deep red gown that featured a cinched waistline, reminiscent of 1950s fashion. Her silver earrings sparkled beneath her beautifully curled brown hair as she posed alongside her husband. The couple, who have been together since 2009, shared sweet moments on the red carpet, with Sophie affectionately placing a hand on Cumberbatch’s shoulder and later holding his hand as they made their way into the screening.
A Star-Studded Espionage Comedy
In The Phoenician Scheme, Cumberbatch takes on a leading role in this dark espionage comedy directed by Wes Anderson and co-written with Roman Coppola. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Benicio del Toro, Mia Threapleton, Riz Ahmed, Michael Cera, Jeffrey Wright, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Antonia Desplat, Rupert Friend, and Bill Murray.
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The plot revolves around Zsa-zsa Korda (del Toro), a powerful arms tycoon who shocks everyone by naming his nun daughter, Sister Liesl (Threapleton), as his sole heir. This unexpected inheritance arrangement plunges them into a tangled web of rival tycoons, foreign terrorists, and shadowy assassins.
Release Dates
The Phoenician Scheme is set to hit select theaters on May 30, with a broader release scheduled for June 6. This film marks Wes Anderson’s return to Cannes after his previous works, Asteroid City (2023) and The French Dispatch (2021).
