Podcast Summary: "Benicio Del Toro on His Leading Role in Wes Anderson's New Film, 'The Phoenician Scheme'"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist
• Host: Willie Geist, Sunday TODAY
• Episode Feature: Benicio Del Toro discussing his role in Wes Anderson's latest film, "The Phoenician Scheme."
• Release Date: June 8, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

Willie Geist opens the episode by introducing Benicio Del Toro, highlighting his illustrious career and his pivotal role in Wes Anderson's "The Phoenician Scheme." Geist emphasizes the film's return to the whimsical and intricate storytelling characteristic of Anderson's work, drawing parallels to "The Royal Tenenbaums."

Discussion on "The Phoenician Scheme"

[03:10] Willie Geist:
"I just finished watching the Phoenician Scheme. It is vintage Wes Anderson. One of his best, I would say, as a fan of his work."

Benicio Del Toro delves into his character, Shahja Korda, describing the emotional core of the film centered around the strained relationship between a father and his daughter. He emphasizes the character's evolution from a ruthless businessman to a more compassionate individual, stating:

[03:28] Benicio Del Toro:
"He becomes... He's probably a better version of himself."

Geist and Del Toro discuss the film's blend of action and emotional depth, with Del Toro noting the balance Wes Anderson strikes between humor and heart.

Collaborative Process with Wes Anderson

Del Toro shares insights into his collaborative relationship with Wes Anderson, highlighting Anderson's meticulous direction and creative improvisations:

[05:24] Benicio Del Toro:
"Wes never put it like that. He never said, 'I'm writing something for you.' That would have scared the hell out of me."

He recounts the process of developing a particularly intricate scene involving a polygraph device, showcasing the director's unique vision and attention to detail.

Experiences on Set and Working with the Cast

The conversation shifts to the ensemble cast of "The Phoenician Scheme," including notable mentions of actors like Bill Murray, Tom Hanks, and Bryan Cranston. Del Toro shares anecdotes, such as Bill Murray's memorable entrance with a boombox, underscoring the vibrant and dynamic environment on set.

[19:15] Willie Geist:
"And for a visual for people watching, he's dressed as God in a robe. The beard, the hair, the whole thing with the boombox. That's perfect, isn't it?"

Del Toro expresses his admiration for his co-stars and the camaraderie shared during filming, emphasizing the enriching experience of working with such seasoned actors.

Benicio Del Toro’s Journey to Acting

Del Toro transitions to his personal journey, discussing his early life in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the pivotal moments that led him to acting. He shares the influence of his godmother and his passion for basketball, which initially drew him to the YMCA's basketball courts.

[22:44] Benicio Del Toro:
"I just couldn't go to law school. I wasn't, I wasn't a reader. I mean, you have to read."

He recounts the challenges of moving to Pennsylvania at 13 and the impact of his mother's passing, which shaped his resilience and determination to pursue acting despite familial expectations.

Breaking into the Industry and Career Milestones

Del Toro reflects on his early struggles in Hollywood, including his breakthrough roles in "James Bond" and "The Usual Suspects." He discusses the fluctuating nature of an acting career and the importance of perseverance:

[34:06] Benicio Del Toro:
"You can get a job and then sit for a while, and that's when you can get really cold feet and start second guessing yourself."

Winning an Academy Award for "Traffic" marked a significant turning point, enhancing his standing in the industry and providing him with greater leverage in choosing roles.

Selection Process for Roles

When asked about his criteria for selecting roles, Del Toro emphasizes the importance of the director and the quality of the script. He values collaboration with passionate filmmakers and remains selective to maintain the integrity of his career.

[39:21] Benicio Del Toro:
"The first thing is who's directing it. Yeah, you know, that’s going to be like, that's going to be the key to opening. Perhaps exploring the character."

He highlights the balance between trusting his instincts and valuing the advice of his long-time manager and agent.

Future Aspirations and Giving Back

Looking ahead, Del Toro expresses interest in supporting young filmmakers and potentially exploring roles behind the camera. He underscores the importance of mentorship and nurturing new talent in the industry.

[41:02] Benicio Del Toro:
"One thing I like to do is give young filmmakers a chance."

Additionally, he shares his commitment to giving back to Puerto Rico, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his heritage and community.

Closing Remarks

Willie Geist concludes the episode by praising Del Toro's contributions to both cinema and his philanthropic efforts in Puerto Rico. He invites listeners to watch "The Phoenician Scheme" and stay tuned for future episodes.

Notable Quotes

• Benicio Del Toro on Character Evolution:
  "[Zsa Zsa] becomes... He's probably a better version of himself."
  [03:28]

• On Working with Wes Anderson:
  "That's what it feels like to work for Wes Anderson, because, you know, you're in the hands of a master."
  [05:26]

• Reflecting on Career Breakthrough:
  "You can get a job and then sit for a while, and that's when you can get really cold feet and start second guessing yourself."
  [34:06]

• Selection Criteria for Roles:
  "The first thing is who's directing it. Yeah, you know, that’s going to be like, that's going to be the key to opening."
  [39:21]

• Giving Back to Filmmakers:
  "One thing I like to do is give young filmmakers a chance."
  [41:02]

Conclusion

This episode of "Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist" offers a deep dive into Benicio Del Toro's latest project, his journey in the film industry, and his personal philosophies on acting and collaboration. Del Toro's candid reflections provide listeners with an intimate look at the dedication and passion that fuel his acclaimed performances.