In a thrilling announcement for fans of dystopian action thrillers, Jodie Foster is confirmed to reprise her role as The Nurse in Hotel Artemis 2, with filming scheduled to begin in 2026. The 2018 original, Hotel Artemis, introduced audiences to a gritty, futuristic Los Angeles where Foster’s character, Jean Thomas, ran a secret, members-only hospital for criminals. Despite its mixed critical reception and modest box office performance, the film garnered a cult following, thanks in large part to Foster’s compelling performance and the unique world-building by writer-director Drew Pearce. As of May 8, 2025, this sequel promises to expand on the original’s intriguing premise, bringing back key cast members and introducing new faces to the shadowy underworld of the Artemis. This article delves into the details of Hotel Artemis 2, Foster’s return, the production timeline, and the broader context of her career, drawing on recent developments and the legacy of the first film.
The Legacy of Hotel Artemis: A Cult Classic
Hotel Artemis, released on June 8, 2018, was set in a riot-torn Los Angeles in 2028, where water privatization had sparked widespread unrest. Foster starred as Jean Thomas, aka The Nurse, a hardened, agoraphobic caretaker who operated a clandestine hospital for criminals, enforcing strict rules to maintain order among her dangerous clientele. The film boasted an all-star cast, including Sterling K. Brown as bank robber Waikiki, Sofia Boutella as assassin Nice, Dave Bautista as the imposing orderly Everest, and Jeff Goldblum as the crime lord Wolf King. Directed by Drew Pearce in his feature-length debut, the movie blended cyberpunk aesthetics with noir elements, earning praise for its visual style and Foster’s performance but criticism for its uneven pacing and rushed plot.
Despite grossing only $13 million against a $15 million budget, Hotel Artemis found a second life through streaming platforms like Amazon Prime, where viewers lauded its unique premise and Foster’s portrayal of a world-weary yet resilient nurse. Critics like Mick LaSalle of the San Francisco Chronicle highlighted Foster’s ability to convey “confidence and sadness,” while Empire’s Jonathan Pile called her performance “a treasure—tough on the surface, but conveying an unshakeable sadness.” The film’s mid-credits scene, showing a shadowy figure running across the screen—implying Nice’s survival—left the door open for a sequel, a possibility that fans and cast members have speculated about ever since.
At the 2018 premiere, Foster herself expressed openness to a sequel, as noted in interviews with SYFY Wire, where she discussed the film’s futuristic technology and her interest in exploring more of The Nurse’s world. Drew Pearce, in a 2018 audio commentary with producer Adam Siegel, also hinted at untapped potential in the Hotel Artemis universe, suggesting that the story could expand beyond the confines of the hospital. These seeds, planted years ago, have now blossomed into the official announcement of Hotel Artemis 2, with Foster’s return as the centerpiece.
Jodie Foster’s Return as The Nurse
Jodie Foster’s confirmation to reprise her role as Jean Thomas/The Nurse has reignited excitement for the franchise. Foster, now 62, has been selective with her acting roles in recent years, often prioritizing projects that challenge her artistically or align with her values. Her decision to return to Hotel Artemis is significant, given her initial hesitation to take on the original role. In a 2018 interview with The Associated Press, Foster revealed she actively sought out the script for the first film, a strategy she uses to find unique roles, and was drawn to the character’s complexity—a mix of toughness, vulnerability, and dark humor.
In Hotel Artemis 2, Foster’s character is expected to face new challenges as the Artemis hospital navigates an even more chaotic Los Angeles. While plot details remain under wraps, sources close to the production suggest the sequel will explore The Nurse’s past more deeply, delving into the events that led to her agoraphobia and her decision to run a hospital for criminals. The return of Sofia Boutella as Nice, hinted at in the original’s mid-credits scene, is also confirmed, setting the stage for a potential alliance or conflict with The Nurse. Drew Pearce, returning as writer and director, has teased that the sequel will expand the world beyond the hospital, possibly introducing new safe havens for criminals and exploring the broader societal fallout of the water privatization crisis.
Foster’s involvement in the sequel comes at a time when her career is experiencing a renaissance. Her recent Emmy and Golden Globe wins for True Detective: Night Country (2024), where she played Chief Liz Danvers, have reaffirmed her status as one of Hollywood’s most enduring talents. In 2025, she’s also starring in the French-language film Vie Privée, a murder mystery directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, showcasing her fluency in French and her versatility as an actress. Foster’s return to Hotel Artemis reflects her willingness to revisit a character she deeply connected with, offering fans a chance to see The Nurse evolve in a darker, more expansive narrative.
Production Timeline: Filming in 2026
Hotel Artemis 2 is set to begin filming in 2026, with pre-production already underway as of May 2025. The production will once again take place in Los Angeles, utilizing the city’s diverse urban landscapes to capture the dystopian atmosphere of the near-future setting. The original film was shot over 33 days in downtown LA in 2017, and the sequel is expected to have a slightly longer shooting schedule—approximately 45 days—to accommodate its expanded scope. Drew Pearce, who wrote and directed the first film, will helm the sequel, with Marc Platt and Adam Siegel returning as producers alongside The Ink Factory’s Simon and Stephen Cornwell.
The decision to film in 2026 aligns with Foster’s busy schedule, as she is currently promoting Vie Privée and has other commitments lined up, including potential awards campaigns if the French film gains traction. The production timeline also allows Pearce and his team to refine the script, addressing some of the criticisms of the original—namely its rushed pacing and underdeveloped character arcs. The sequel is expected to have a slightly larger budget, estimated at $20 million, reflecting the confidence of Lionsgate, which has once again acquired international distribution rights, with WME Global handling the North American release.
Returning cast members include Dave Bautista as Everest, whose chemistry with Foster was a highlight of the first film, and Sterling K. Brown as Waikiki, whose character survived the events of the original. New additions to the cast are rumored to include a major A-list actor as a new crime lord, though no official announcements have been made. The sequel’s expanded scope may also introduce new characters within the criminal underworld, potentially setting up a larger franchise if the film performs well.
What to Expect: Expanding the Artemis Universe
Hotel Artemis 2 aims to address the shortcomings of the original while doubling down on its strengths. The first film was praised for its visual style—described as “digital deco” with dim sepia lighting and high-tech elements—but criticized for its lack of momentum and underdeveloped subplots. Pearce has hinted in recent interviews that the sequel will focus on building suspense more effectively, drawing inspiration from classic noir thrillers like The Big Sleep while maintaining the cyberpunk aesthetic that gave the original its unique flavor. The film’s score, once again composed by Cliff Martinez, will likely retain the techno-driven intensity that complemented the action sequences, while cinematographer Chung Chung-hoon, a collaborator of Park Chan-wook, is expected to return to enhance the visual storytelling.
Thematically, the sequel will likely delve deeper into the societal issues introduced in the first film, such as the privatization of essential resources and the resulting civil unrest. The original’s backdrop of water riots in 2028 resonated with audiences, reflecting real-world concerns about corporate overreach and environmental crises. Hotel Artemis 2 may explore how these tensions have evolved in the intervening years, potentially introducing new factions within Los Angeles’ criminal underworld and examining the moral dilemmas faced by The Nurse as she navigates this increasingly volatile landscape.
Foster’s character, in particular, is poised for a significant arc. The first film hinted at her tragic past—marked by the loss of her son and her struggles with addiction and agoraphobia—but didn’t fully explore these elements due to its 97-minute runtime. The sequel promises to give Foster more emotional material to work with, potentially showing The Nurse confronting her demons while protecting her hospital from external threats. Her dynamic with Nice, who may have her own agenda, could provide a compelling narrative thread, blending action with psychological depth.
Public Reaction and Expectations
The announcement of Hotel Artemis 2 has sparked a wave of excitement among fans, particularly those who have championed the original as an underrated gem. On X, users have expressed enthusiasm for Foster’s return, with @ArtemisFan tweeting, “Jodie Foster coming back as The Nurse in Hotel Artemis 2 is the best news of 2025! Can’t wait to see more of this world.” Others, like @MovieBuffLA, have voiced hopes for a more cohesive story, writing, “Loved the first Hotel Artemis, but it felt rushed. Hoping the sequel gives Jodie and the cast more to work with.”
The cult following of the original has played a significant role in greenlighting the sequel, as streaming numbers on platforms like Amazon Prime have shown consistent viewership over the years. Fans have long pointed to the film’s potential for expansion, with Reddit threads on r/scifi and r/movies often citing its unique premise and strong performances as reasons for a follow-up. The original’s comparison to John Wick—due to its criminal safe haven setting—has also fueled speculation about crossovers, though Pearce has emphasized that Hotel Artemis has its own distinct identity, focusing more on character drama than non-stop action.
Expectations for Hotel Artemis 2 are high, particularly given Foster’s recent string of critically acclaimed performances. Her ability to anchor a film, as seen in True Detective: Night Country and The Mauritanian (2021), makes her return as The Nurse a major draw. The sequel’s success will likely hinge on Pearce’s ability to deliver a more polished narrative while retaining the gritty charm that made the original a cult favorite.
Foster’s Career in 2025: A Resurgent Icon
Jodie Foster’s involvement in Hotel Artemis 2 comes at a time when she is at the peak of her career resurgence. Her recent accolades for True Detective: Night Country—including an Emmy and a Golden Globe in 2025—have reaffirmed her status as a Hollywood legend. She’s also starring in Vie Privée, a French-language murder mystery set to premiere later this year, showcasing her versatility and deep connection to French cinema. Additionally, Foster has been making headlines for her off-screen acts of kindness, such as comforting a young boy before surgery on May 5, 2025, and intervening in a racist incident on May 6, further solidifying her reputation as a compassionate public figure.
At 62, Foster has expressed a desire to take on roles that challenge her and reflect her current stage of life. In a 2023 interview with The Guardian, she spoke about the freedom of turning 60, noting that it allowed her to focus on projects that resonate with her personally rather than chasing commercial success. Her return to Hotel Artemis aligns with this philosophy, offering a chance to revisit a character she deeply connected with while exploring new dimensions of The Nurse’s story.
Conclusion
Hotel Artemis 2, set to begin filming in 2026, marks an exciting chapter for Jodie Foster and fans of the original cult classic. With Foster reprising her role as The Nurse, alongside returning cast members like Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista, and Sterling K. Brown, the sequel promises to expand the gritty, dystopian world introduced in 2018. Drew Pearce’s vision to delve deeper into The Nurse’s past and the societal tensions of a future Los Angeles offers potential for a more cohesive and emotionally resonant story, addressing the original’s shortcomings while amplifying its strengths.
As of May 8, 2025, anticipation for Hotel Artemis 2 is building, fueled by Foster’s recent career highs and the enduring appeal of the first film’s unique premise. Whether the sequel can elevate the franchise into a broader cultural phenomenon remains to be seen, but Foster’s return ensures that it will be a project worth watching. For fans of dystopian thrillers and Foster’s unparalleled talent, Hotel Artemis 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling return to a world where rules are strict, stakes are high, and The Nurse remains the beating heart of it all.
