Wes Anderson’s films are like candy-colored puzzles — from the eccentric concierge in The Grand Budapest Hotel to the star-crossed pre- in Moonrise Kingdom. He spins stories full of surprises, but this year at Cannes, Anderson found himself navigating a very different kind of puzzle involving Donald Trump. When politics crashed the cinematic party, the result was a quirky showdown, throwing out Anderson’s signature whimsy with real-world drama.

Wes Anderson was not just crafting whimsical tales, he was throwing playful shade at Donald Trump’s jaw-dropping plan to slap tariffs on films made overseas. His sharp, cheeky remarks provoked laughs and gasps alike, shining a spotlight on the strange new hurdles Hollywood faces.

Wes Anderson at Cannes had a side-splitting reaction to Donald Trump's boasting of a "100% tariff" on movies produced overseas, as reported by Variety. He quipped, saying, “Can you hold up the movie in customs? It doesn’t ship that way,” leaving the press in stitches. Anderson poked fun at the idea of the government taking all the money, rhetorically asking aloud, “And then what do we get?.” His playful confusion made it clear that the tariff plan sounds more like a comedy plot than a practical policy.

When pressed about the tariffs, he joked that he initially thought Trump was “giving us a plug,” but then mocked the idea of losing every cent to a tax that “I’ve never heard of before.” Anderson’s witty response captured the frustration many in Hollywood feel about the proposal, questioning how it would even work when movies are not physical goods to just hold up at customs. Wes Anderson’s witty take on the new tariff had the crowd laughing, but his latest film was ready to make a far bigger impact.

"Really rough"- Bill Murray Mourns Gene Hackman with a Surprising On Set Memory From Wes Anderson's

Filmed partly in Germany with his typical cast of players, a multi-layered plot backed by notable producers, Anderson's latest project carried high expectations. When it finally premiered at Cannes, the reaction went beyond applause, capturing attention even before the festival lights fully dimmed.

Wes Anderson absolutely wowed Cannes 2025 with The Phoenician Scheme, earning a jaw-dropping 6.5-minute standing ovation that had everyone on their feet—and Mia Threapleton, Kate Winslet’s daughter, dabbing away tears of joy. When Anderson finally spoke, he kept it delightfully simple, tossing out a playful shoutout packed with names like “Richard Ayoade, Riz, Alexandre, Michael, Mia,” and a couple more, making the crowd smile and feel the quirky charm only he can deliver.

The film dives into the life of Zsa-zsa Korda, a powerful European tycoon, whose daughter surprises everyone by choosing a nun’s life. With a layered plot involving intriguing characters like her tutor Bjorn Lund, the story mixes drama and mystery in classic Wes Anderson style. Set for theaters on May 30, The Phoenician Scheme is said to have a limited run until June 6, giving audiences a perfect chance to catch this Cannes hit.

Where to Stream the Cannes 2025 Live? How Can You Watch the Screened Movies? Here’s All You Need to Know

What do you think about Wes Anderson’s take on Donald Trump’s film tariffs? Let us know in the comments.