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Photograph: (Image Courtesy: Variety)
Wes Anderson has revealed that Jodie Foster turned down roles in at least three of his past films. In a recent interview, the director shared that he had long admired Foster’s work and had repeatedly approached her for parts over the years—though she ultimately declined each time.
Anderson explained that for several consecutive projects, he and his team would initially reach out to Foster in hopes of securing her involvement. Wes Anderson shared that he had attempted to cast Jodie Foster in several of his films, estimating that this happened three, possibly four times consecutively. He explained that after meeting her in person, he was optimistic about her joining one of his projects, as he found her both talented and charismatic. Anderson mentioned that he had long admired her work, particularly her performance and direction in her debut film ‘Little Man Tate’, where she played the role of a mother. He praised the lightness and distinctive energy she brought to that character.
Why Jodie Foster May Have Declined Anderson’s Films
Despite his repeated efforts, Foster had other creative priorities. Anderson acknowledged that actors often follow their own paths and choose roles that align with their personal or professional goals at specific points in life. He concluded that perhaps his films didn’t match the kind of work Foster wanted to pursue at the time.
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The director refrained from naming the exact titles Foster had turned down, suggesting that revealing them would imply other actors were not his first choice. Known for his large ensemble casts filled with A-list talent, Anderson is currently promoting his latest film, ‘The Phoenician Scheme’, which is now showing in cinemas.
‘The Phoenician Scheme’ centres on Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), a wealthy industrialist who names his only daughter—a nun, played by Mia Threapleton—as the sole beneficiary of his fortune. As he embarks on a new venture, the two become targets of power-hungry tycoons, foreign operatives, and relentless assassins.
The film’s cast features a host of Anderson regulars and high-profile stars, including Scarlett Johansson, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, Michael Cera, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, and Bill Murray.
