As of June 24, 2025, the theater world is abuzz with excitement over the upcoming Off-Broadway production of Girls Will Be Girls, a dark comedy set to debut this summer. The announcement, revealed exclusively earlier this week, highlights a notable casting coup: Charlie B. Foster, the 26-year-old son of Oscar-winning actress Jodie Foster, will star alongside Luna Sofía Miranda, the breakout talent from the Academy Award-winning film Anora. This collaboration marks a significant moment for both actors, blending Hollywood lineage with emerging stardom in a play that promises to challenge norms and captivate audiences when it opens on July 24 at The Pershing Square Signature Center’s Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre. With performances beginning July 17, the production is already generating anticipation as a fresh voice in New York’s theater scene.

A Family Legacy Takes the Stage

Charlie B. Foster’s entry into Girls Will Be Girls represents a continuation of his mother’s storied career, which spans decades and includes iconic roles in The Silence of the Lambs and True Detective: Night Country, the latter earning her a Golden Globe in January 2025. Jodie Foster, now 62, has long kept her family life private, raising her sons Charlie and Kit with her wife, Alexandra Hedison. Charlie, born in 1998, has gradually stepped into the public eye, following his mother’s footsteps with acting credits in films like Soy Boy and Sparks, as well as an upcoming role in Amazon Prime’s Scarpetta. His New York stage debut in Second Stage Theater’s Camp Siegfried showcased his potential, and this new role as JJ in Girls Will Be Girls signals a growing presence in the industry.

Jodie Foster’s influence is unmistakable. During her Golden Globes acceptance speech earlier this year, she proudly acknowledged Charlie, calling him her “actor son who’s starting his career,” alongside Kit, her “scientist son.” This public nod, coupled with her emotional tribute to her family, underscores her support for Charlie’s ambitions. The casting news, reported by PEOPLE on June 23, 2025, has sparked online chatter, with fans noting the parallels between mother and son, though some question whether his success stems from nepotism—a debate that often shadows celebrity offspring.

Luna Sofía Miranda: From Strip Clubs to Stages

Joining Charlie is Luna Sofía Miranda, whose meteoric rise began with her role as Lulu in Anora, Sean Baker’s Palme d’Or-winning film that clinched Best Picture at the 2025 Oscars. Miranda, a 26-year-old Brooklyn native, landed the part through a serendipitous encounter at Pumps, a Brooklyn strip club where she worked to support her acting dreams. Her bold pitch to Baker and his producer wife, Samantha Quan, during a 2022 shift led to an audition and, ultimately, a career-defining role. Miranda’s portrayal of Lulu, Anora’s supportive friend, brought authenticity to the film, earning her praise for her vibrant energy and real-world insights as a sex worker and consultant on set.

Miranda’s journey from the club to the Oscars red carpet, where she attended the March 2, 2025, ceremony, is a testament to her hustle. She has since expanded her portfolio, with roles in the upcoming sex comedy Youthful Pleasures and a debut as a writer-producer with Filmgirl later this year. Her transition to Off-Broadway as Scar in Girls Will Be Girls marks her stage debut, a leap that builds on her Anora momentum. Fans on social platforms have celebrated her versatility, with some dubbing her a “girl’s girl” for her advocacy of sex worker representation, a theme she hopes Anora’s success will advance in Hollywood.

The Play: A Dark Comedy with Edge

Girls Will Be Girls, written by and co-starring Claire Mack, is poised to deliver a provocative take on gender and identity. Mack, an actor and producer from Oak Park, Illinois, with credits in From the Shadows and Soy Boy, infuses the play with her dark comedic vision. The story centers on three characters—JJ (Charlie), Scar (Miranda), and Kay (Mack)—navigating a world of twisted relationships and societal expectations. Described as a feminist exploration, the play’s premise hints at the complexities of youth and rebellion, themes that resonate with both actors’ recent work.

The production, set for The Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theatre, a 191-seat intimate venue, begins previews on July 17, with opening night on July 24. Understudies Declan Collins and Leah Getz ensure continuity, while the creative team, including director details yet to be disclosed, promises a raw, immersive experience. The play’s timing, aligning with summer theater season, positions it as a counterpoint to Broadway’s larger spectacles, drawing attention for its Off-Broadway grit.

A Meeting of Paths

The pairing of Charlie and Miranda is intriguing, bridging Hollywood heritage with grassroots tenacity. Charlie’s background, shaped by a private upbringing and his mother’s guidance, contrasts with Miranda’s self-made ascent from Brooklyn’s burlesque and strip club scenes. Their characters, JJ and Scar, are expected to embody this dynamic—JJ as a possibly privileged figure and Scar as a defiant outsider—mirroring their real-life narratives. This synergy could elevate the play’s exploration of class and authenticity, themes central to Anora and now reimagined on stage.

Jodie Foster’s recent success with True Detective: Night Country adds a layer of intrigue. Her Golden Globes win, marked by a playful heckle from Sofia Vergara, showcased her industry stature, and Charlie’s involvement in Girls Will Be Girls extends that spotlight. Miranda, meanwhile, brings Anora’s Oscar glow, with her club screenings for sex workers—where heels banged in applause—highlighting her community roots. Together, they represent a blend of established and emerging talent, a narrative that theater enthusiasts are eager to see unfold.

Industry Reactions and Speculation

The casting news has elicited a mix of enthusiasm and scrutiny. Theater critics, as seen in early coverage, praise the infusion of fresh faces with proven pedigrees, with some suggesting Girls Will Be Girls could mirror the critical buzz of Anora. Online sentiment leans positive, with fans excited for Miranda’s stage leap and curious about Charlie’s growth beyond his mother’s shadow. However, whispers of nepotism persist, a common critique of celebrity kids, though Charlie’s prior credits and Foster’s hands-off approach—evident in her focus on her sons’ individual paths—counter this narrative.

Industry insiders speculate on the play’s potential to launch both actors into broader recognition. Miranda’s Youthful Pleasures role and Charlie’s Scarpetta gig suggest busy futures, and Girls Will Be Girls could serve as a springboard. Some wonder if Jodie Foster might attend opening night, a rare public family moment that could draw further attention, though her private nature makes this uncertain.

Cultural Context and Broader Impact

Girls Will Be Girls arrives amid a surge in Off-Broadway innovation, with recent hits like John Krasinski’s Angry Alan and Dog Day Afternoon featuring The Bear’s Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. The play’s feminist lens aligns with a cultural shift toward diverse voices, echoing Anora’s destigmatization of sex work. Miranda’s advocacy, paired with Mack’s authorship, positions the production as a statement, potentially influencing future theater narratives.

The collaboration also reflects a trend of cross-medium talent, with film stars like Miranda and theater legacies like Foster’s lineage converging. This mirrors Hollywood’s current embrace of multifaceted artists, a trend seen in projects like Taylor Jenkins Reid’s Chicks-themed musical. For Charlie, it’s a chance to carve his niche, while for Miranda, it’s a platform to expand beyond Anora’s shadow.

Looking Ahead

As Girls Will Be Girls prepares for its July debut, the spotlight is firmly on Charlie B. Foster and Luna Sofía Miranda. With rehearsals underway and buzz building, the play could mark a defining moment for both. Charlie’s journey from Foster’s son to a recognized actor, alongside Miranda’s rise from strip clubs to stages, offers a compelling narrative of talent meeting opportunity. Whether it garners critical acclaim or sparks broader careers, the production promises to be a summer highlight, blending dark humor with a fresh perspective on the stage. As opening night nears, theatergoers and industry watchers alike await the moment these two talents bring their story to life.