It's a wrap for Jodie Foster on True Detective, the actress explains why she won't be in season 5

True Detective is coming back for Season 5, but without a major star! Jodie Foster has confirmed her status for the next year of the HBO anthology hit!

When True Detective debuted on HBO in 2014, it was an instant sensation. The police drama told a twisted tale of two detectives (Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson) investigating a murder in a story that bounced around timelines and some bizarre sequences. It was a critical and ratings smash that won numerous awards.

However, the second season, which boasted a new story and cast, was not as well received and seen as a huge comedown for the series. A third season did better but still not to the level of the first season and the show seemed to fade away.

HBO revived it with a new year, produced by Issa López, titled “Night Country.” It follows cops Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) as they investigate the disappearance of scientists in Alaska, which leads to a strange case. 

The show ran just six episodes for a good reaction from critics. However, original series creator Nic Pizzolatto heavily criticized the show’s plot and denied involvement with it. 

Despite that, HBO ordered a new season with Lopez as showrunner. So is Foster also taking part?

Jodie Foster on her True Detective future

Speaking to Variety on the red carpet of the Academy Awards (where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for Nyad), Foster confirmed what many suspected, that Season 5 would be a whole new story and characters. She was a “one and done” and flatly stated she would not be in the new year.

This makes sense, as True Detective has always been a classic anthology with a new cast and storyline for each season. Foster brushed off Pizzolatto's comments as she doesn’t follow social media. 

So far, Lopez hasn’t announced any plans for Season 5, yet likely to once more try to bring in some A-list talent for it. Having two-time Oscar winner Foster on TV did get Season 4 more attention and the show has always been good at mixing some A-listers to the storyline. 

So, while Foster may be gone, fans of True Detective are still hopeful Season 5 continues the unique turns that make this show such a standout and among the more unique cop shows out there.

True Detective Seasons 1-4 streaming on Max.