In a surprising turn of events on the set of True Detective: Night Country, the fourth season of HBO’s acclaimed anthology crime drama, Jodie Foster experienced a deeply emotional reunion with a figure from her past—her former teacher, Fiona Shaw. The revelation of Shaw’s current identity and role in the production left many, including Foster herself, in awe. This reunion, set against the chilling backdrop of the show’s Alaskan setting, not only added a personal layer to the filming experience but also highlighted the remarkable journey of both women in the entertainment industry. This article delves into the details of their reunion, the shocking transformation of Shaw’s career, and the impact of their collaboration on the set of True Detective: Night Country.

A Reunion Decades in the Making

Jodie Foster, a two-time Academy Award winner and a Hollywood icon, joined the cast of True Detective: Night Country in 2022, marking her first major television role as an adult since 1975. She stars as Liz Danvers, a jaded police chief in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska, who investigates the mysterious disappearance of eight scientists during the polar night. The season, which premiered on January 14, 2024, was a critical and commercial success, earning Foster a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress and garnering the highest viewership in the series’ history.

While filming in Iceland, which stood in for the Alaskan setting, Foster reunited with Fiona Shaw, an acclaimed actress who plays a former university professor living on the edge of Ennis in the series. Shaw, known for her roles in Harry Potter (as Petunia Dursley) and Killing Eve, revealed a surprising connection to Foster—she had once been her drama teacher during Foster’s early years in the industry. This revelation came as a shock to many, as Shaw’s transition from a teacher to a celebrated actress in her own right was a testament to her remarkable career evolution.

Foster and Shaw did not share any scenes in True Detective: Night Country, but their reunion off-screen became a highlight of the production. Foster recalled their time together in an interview with British GQ, stating, “We’re kind of the same types, right? We’re older… I was just laughing at her stories. She’s quite the storyteller and has learned poems and can recite poems.” The two spent evenings dining together in Reykjavík, bonding over their shared history and the challenges of filming in Iceland’s harsh weather conditions. Shaw, who faced some of the worst weather on set, including massive wind storms on a frozen lake, impressed Foster with her resilience and professionalism.

Fiona Shaw: From Teacher to Acclaimed Actress

The revelation of Fiona Shaw’s past as Foster’s teacher was a shock not only to Foster but also to fans of both actresses. Shaw, now 66, began her career in theater and education, teaching drama to young actors in Los Angeles during the 1970s. Foster, who started acting at the age of three, was one of her students during this period. At the time, Shaw was a mentor to Foster, helping her navigate the complexities of performing as a child actor while balancing her education at the Lycée Français de Los Angeles.

After years of teaching, Shaw transitioned into acting, building an illustrious career on stage and screen. She gained international recognition for her role as Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter series and later earned critical acclaim for her portrayal of Carolyn Martens in Killing Eve, for which she won a BAFTA TV Award. Her role in True Detective: Night Country as a reclusive professor with ties to the town’s dark secrets showcased her versatility and depth as an actress. Shaw’s journey from a drama teacher to a globally recognized star was a revelation that left Foster and the crew in admiration of her perseverance and talent.

Foster reflected on Shaw’s transformation in an interview with The Guardian, noting, “Fiona’s like I am. She was really keen on being like: ‘I can do this, no problem, I can do this.’ I felt like she was able to go, ‘That was really hard!’ And I was like, ‘I know.’” This shared understanding of the industry’s challenges deepened their bond, making their reunion a poignant moment on set.

The Impact on True Detective: Night Country

The reunion of Foster and Shaw added a layer of authenticity and camaraderie to the production of True Detective: Night Country. While their characters did not interact on-screen, their real-life connection fostered a supportive environment for the cast and crew, many of whom were relatively new to the industry. The season, directed by Issa López, was notable for its emphasis on Indigenous voices and its female-led narrative, a departure from the male-dominated stories of previous True Detective seasons. Foster’s collaboration with Kali Reis, a former world champion boxer turned actress, also highlighted the show’s commitment to diverse representation.

Foster, who executive produced the season, emphasized the importance of centering Indigenous stories, a perspective she credited to her experience working with Shaw and the Indigenous cast members flown in from Alaska and Greenland. In an NPR interview, Foster stated, “The voice of the film is really Indigenous. And we are here to support that and to center that, which I think is quite different than a lot of the films that have been released recently that feature Indigenous stories and yet aren’t really told by their voices.” Shaw’s presence, with her background in education and her ability to connect with younger actors, further enriched this collaborative spirit.

The filming conditions in Iceland were grueling, with temperatures well below freezing and constant darkness mirroring the show’s setting. Foster and Shaw’s shared history provided a source of comfort and inspiration amidst these challenges. Foster recalled a particularly difficult scene in ice caves, where the crew had to endure hot stage conditions while dressed in heavy winter gear to simulate the cold. Shaw, meanwhile, braved intense wind storms on a frozen lake, earning Foster’s admiration for her dedication.

A Shocking Transformation and Legacy

Fiona Shaw’s transformation from Foster’s drama teacher to a co-star in one of HBO’s most successful anthology series is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Her journey reflects the same resilience and determination that Foster has exhibited throughout her own career, from her Oscar-winning role as Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs to her Emmy-winning performance in True Detective: Night Country. The reunion of these two women on set not only highlighted their personal growth but also underscored the power of mentorship and collaboration in shaping successful careers.

For Foster, working with Shaw was a reminder of her own roots and the mentors who guided her as a young actress. In a Variety interview, Foster expressed her gratitude for the experience, saying, “This was such a provocative and important experience for me, really one of the most and the best in my career.” The reunion also resonated with fans, who were moved by the story of two women reconnecting after decades, their shared history adding depth to the legacy of True Detective: Night Country.

Conclusion

The reunion of Jodie Foster and Fiona Shaw on the set of True Detective: Night Country was a moment of profound significance, both personally and professionally. Shaw’s shocking transformation from Foster’s former teacher to a celebrated actress added a layer of emotional depth to the production, while their collaboration contributed to the season’s critical and commercial success. As True Detective continues to evolve under new showrunners like Issa López, the story of Foster and Shaw serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of mentorship, the power of resilience, and the unexpected ways in which past and present can intersect. Their reunion not only made headlines but also left an indelible mark on the legacy of one of HBO’s most iconic series.