Wes Anderson has made repeated attempts over the years to cast Jodie Foster in his films, highlighting his ongoing interest in working with her. Speaking candidly about his casting journey, Anderson revealed that his persistent efforts to cast Foster have yet to materialize into a collaboration, despite his genuine admiration for her talent.
Wes Anderson’s Longstanding Wish to Work With Jodie Foster
The director explained in a recent conversation with Collider that he has pursued Jodie Foster for roles in numerous films throughout his career. Anderson openly stated,
“so many movies that I tried to get Jodie Foster to be in.”
This sentiment underlines how central she has been to his vision for various projects.
Anderson acknowledged that reaching out to Foster for parts had become almost a tradition for him and his casting team. He shared,
“It used to be every movie, we went to Jodie Foster for a part,”
emphasizing how consistent his invitations to her have been across several film productions. He continued,
“And I think I did it three movies in a row, maybe four. And I met her, and I liked her. And I thought it was going to get her. And I think she’s just great, Jodie Foster. And I loved her.”
The Challenge of Aligning Creative Paths
Despite this ongoing interest, Foster has not taken up any roles in Anderson’s movies so far. Anderson reflected on this, expressing,
“I still would like to get Jodie Foster. But I guess after asking few times, I thought maybe I’m not … I think sometimes somebody has an idea of the kind of work they want to do at that time in his or her life, and we weren’t right.”
His remarks highlight the complexities of casting, where timing and creative goals must align on both sides.
Upcoming Film and Critical Reception
Anderson’s latest directorial effort, The Phoenician Scheme, is set to be released in theaters on June 6. The film has already attracted critical attention, with William Bibbiani of TheWrap describing it as
“a serious work of art that plays like a boondoggle.”
According to Bibbiani,
“Anderson could be accused of copping out of making a decision to choose between God and, you know, owning stuff, but I think he finds that there’s a bit of spirituality in all of us that can’t be ignored, and a desire to relish in life’s little indulgences as well, and that the two aren’t mutually exclusive,”
—William Bibbiani, Critic. He further remarked,
“The scheme, it seems, was finding a good and worthy life in between the extremes we tend to yearn for. Anderson’s diorama, in its details, is a place we all would be lucky to find ourselves. A little silly, a little profound, a little lovely, a little dingy. A vast mosaic revealed through countless individual tiles.”
—William Bibbiani, Critic
Looking Ahead to Future Collaborations
With The Phoenician Scheme awaiting its theatrical debut, fans and industry watchers remain hopeful that Anderson’s quest to cast Jodie Foster may eventually bear fruit. His persistent efforts highlight the high regard he has for Foster’s artistry, and the film community remains eager to see if a collaboration between the two celebrated figures could happen in the future.
