Jodie Foster, the two-time Oscar-winning actress and filmmaker, has long been a figure of intelligence and introspection in Hollywood. With a career spanning over five decades, she’s known for her thoughtful approach to both acting and directing, often tackling complex themes in films like The Silence of the Lambs and Nyad. Recently, however, Foster has made headlines for a surprising reason: her relaxed attitude toward artificial intelligence (A.I.), a topic that has sparked fear and uncertainty in the entertainment industry and beyond. Despite her initial reservations, Foster’s evolving perspective offers a refreshing take on technology’s role in cinema and society.
In a 2025 interview with Vanity Fair during the Cannes Film Festival, Foster initially expressed apprehension about A.I., admitting, “I’m just petrified by it. I’m a bit of a Luddite, I’m older, I can do emails. But we’re all scared of it, and rightfully so.” Her concerns echoed those of many in the industry, who worry that A.I. could replace human creativity or disrupt traditional filmmaking processes. However, as she worked on her latest project, the French-language film Vie Privée (A Private Life), directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, Foster’s stance began to shift. The film utilized A.I. to craft dream sequences, a decision Zlotowski championed as a way to explore new cinematic possibilities. Foster, though initially hesitant, came to appreciate the technology’s potential when guided by a human hand.
Reflecting on the experience, Foster later shared in a The Rake interview that she found the process liberating. “I realized A.I. isn’t the monster I thought it was,” she said. “It’s a tool, and like any tool, it depends on who’s using it. In the right hands, it can open up new ways of storytelling.” This shift in perspective highlights Foster’s adaptability—a trait that has defined her career since her childhood roles in films like Taxi Driver. Her ability to embrace change, even at 62, sets her apart in an industry often resistant to technological evolution.
Foster’s relaxed stance on A.I. also stems from her belief in the enduring power of human creativity. In a 2018 Slant Magazine interview, she emphasized the importance of authenticity in her work, a value she believes A.I. cannot replicate. “No machine can capture the raw, messy beauty of human emotion,” she noted while discussing her role in Hotel Artemis. For Foster, A.I. might assist in technical aspects—like generating visuals for dream sequences—but it can never replace the emotional depth that actors and directors bring to their craft. This confidence in human artistry allows her to approach A.I. with curiosity rather than fear.
Moreover, Foster’s perspective is shaped by her long history of navigating challenges in Hollywood. Having started acting at age three, she’s witnessed the industry’s evolution firsthand—from the rise of digital effects to the streaming era. In a 2024 The Atlantic piece, Foster reflected on her career, noting that she’s always been drawn to roles that push boundaries, whether through technology or narrative. Her work on Black Mirror, a series that explores technology’s impact on society, further informed her views. Directing an episode in 2017, she explored A.I.’s potential to both connect and divide, a theme that resonates with her current outlook.
Foster’s relaxed attitude doesn’t mean she’s naive about A.I.’s risks. She remains cautious about its misuse, particularly in replacing human jobs or perpetuating biases. However, her experience with Vie Privée showed her that A.I., when used responsibly, can enhance rather than detract from the creative process. As she put it in a recent AP News interview, “I’m happier than I’ve ever been, and part of that is letting go of fear. A.I. is here, and we can either fight it or learn to dance with it. I choose the latter.”
As of May 23, 2025, Jodie Foster’s evolving relationship with A.I. serves as a beacon for others in the industry. Her willingness to adapt, combined with her unwavering faith in human creativity, offers a balanced perspective in a time of uncertainty. Foster’s journey with A.I. reminds us that even the most daunting technologies can be harnessed for good—especially when guided by a heart as compassionate and a mind as brilliant as hers.
