Director Wes Anderson has made it a tradition to work with an array of standout actors, including Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Ralph Fiennes, and, most recently, Michael Cera in his film The Phoenician Scheme. However, Anderson recently revealed during an interview with Collider that Jodie Foster repeatedly turned down Wes Anderson roles, despite numerous attempts to cast her in his movies. Anderson described Foster as his “white whale,” emphasizing his persistent interest in her talent across several projects.
Anderson Shares His Repeated Attempts to Cast Foster
Wes Anderson eventually opened up about his ongoing desire to include Foster in his ensemble, noting his attempts stretched over at least three, possibly even four, films. He remarked that each time he developed a project, he envisioned Foster taking a central role. Anderson’s appreciation of Foster’s acting was clear as he recalled meeting her and feeling certain she would agree to participate.
“Over the years, I had so many movies that I tried to get Jodie Foster to be in,”
—Wes Anderson, Director
“It used to be every movie, we went to Jodie Foster for a part. 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.”
—Wes Anderson, Director
Foster’s Selectivity and Reasons for Declining
To date, Foster has never accepted a role in any of Anderson’s productions. Anderson speculated on her decision, suggesting that Foster may have had personal or professional reasons for repeatedly passing on his offers. He acknowledged that Foster may have a clear sense of what types of work fit best for her at a given stage in her career, leading her to decide that his films did not align with those goals at that moment.
“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,”
—Wes Anderson, Director
Foster is widely known for being particular about her roles, and it is frequently suggested in the industry that she prioritizes scripts and collaborators that match her creative interests. Anderson, however, has not found himself short on talent, often casting strong actresses for the same parts he considered Foster for.
Maintaining Professional Discretion About Casting Choices
While Anderson was open about his pursuit of Foster, he declined to disclose specific films or characters for which he had approached her. His reasoning centered on a desire to respect both Foster’s privacy and the actors who eventually filled those roles. Anderson noted that revealing such details might unintentionally diminish the contributions of other cast members.
“Well, I don’t like to say, because if I say, then you say, ‘Oh, you mean so-and-so, who’s in the movie, wasn’t your first choice.’ And so I don’t want that to be a thing,”
—Wes Anderson, Director
“She would have been great. But anyway, she’s pretty amazing, Jodie Foster.”
—Wes Anderson, Director
Parallel Careers and Future Possibilities
As The Phoenician Scheme continues its run in theaters, both Anderson and Foster find themselves at the center of international cinematic attention. Foster’s latest work, the French black comedy mystery A Private Life, recently enjoyed a world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. Anderson was also present at Cannes with his new feature, highlighting their ongoing significance in contemporary cinema.
Audiences in the US can expect A Private Life to arrive in theaters by late 2025 or early 2026, underscoring Foster’s continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles. Meanwhile, industry observers and fans alike remain curious to see if Anderson and Foster will eventually collaborate, given their mutual respect and the director’s persistent interest.
This recurring attempt to cast Jodie Foster repeatedly turned down Wes Anderson roles may well have shaped the casting pathways of several Anderson films. Yet, the door remains open for future collaboration between these two formidable talents, and the industry will be watching to see if that opportunity ever unfolds.
