Kristen Stewart Set to Play Woody Harrelson's Daughter in Quentin Dupieux's "Full Phil"

French filmmaker Quentin Dupieux has assembled his most star-studded cast yet for his upcoming film "Full Phil," with Kristen Stewart joining Woody Harrelson in what promises to be another characteristically surreal entry in the director's growing filmography. The English-language production, which began filming in Paris in September 2025, represents a significant step forward for Dupieux in terms of Hollywood recognition and casting power .

In "Full Phil," Stewart takes on the role of Madeleine, daughter to Harrelson's Philip Doom, a wealthy American industrialist attempting to reconnect with his estranged child during what should be a luxurious Parisian getaway. The film's synopsis hints at Dupieux's trademark blend of the mundane and the bizarre, noting that "French cuisine, a 1950s horror film and an intrusive hotel employee disrupt the smooth running of their stay" .

The casting choice positions Stewart in a role that explores complex family dynamics, a theme that has resonated throughout her career from her early work in independent films to her more recent acclaimed performances. The pairing with Harrelson, known for his versatility across comedy and drama, suggests a film that will balance emotional depth with Dupieux's characteristic absurdist humor.

The project marks a significant milestone for Dupieux, the prolific French filmmaker who has become a cult favorite for his unconventional approach to comedy. Producer Hugo Selignac, who has collaborated with Dupieux on eight films over six years, noted the growing appeal of the director's work among American actors. "It's wild — Quentin's films are extremely popular with the coolest American actors," Selignac explained, adding that when American actors view Dupieux's films, "they're struck, because when you look at American comedy today, it's a bit dead" .

This sentiment reflects a broader trend in Hollywood, where established actors are increasingly seeking out projects that offer creative risks and artistic challenges. Stewart, who has built her post-"Twilight" career on selecting unconventional and challenging roles, fits perfectly into this pattern.

Beyond the central father-daughter relationship, "Full Phil" features an impressive ensemble including Emma Mackey, known for her work in "Sex Education" and "Emily," Charlotte Le Bon, Tim Heidecker, and Nassim Lyes. The inclusion of comedy duo Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim suggests the film will incorporate elements of alternative comedy that align with Dupieux's sensibilities .

The diverse casting reflects Dupieux's evolution as a filmmaker who has successfully bridged French and international cinema. While "Full Phil" is not technically his English-language debut—he previously directed "Rubber" in California—it represents his most ambitious English-language project to date, filmed entirely in Paris with his regular French crew .

Studiocanal is handling international sales for the project, which will be distributed in France by Diaphana and has been pre-purchased by Canal+. The backing from these established European distributors, combined with the high-profile American cast, positions "Full Phil" as a potential crossover success that could introduce Dupieux's unique vision to a broader international audience .

The film is being produced by Hugo Selignac's Chi-Fou-Mi, part of Mediawan, continuing a highly successful partnership. Selignac has produced 13 films with Studiocanal, including commercially successful projects like Gilles Lellouche's "Beating Hearts," which grossed $36 million in France .

Known for his prolific output—he has directed six films in the last four years alone—Dupieux has built a reputation for his "absurdist and quirky sense of humor" and boldness within the French cinema landscape . His 2024 film "The Second Act," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, demonstrated his ability to tackle contemporary social issues with humor, delivering what was described as "a hilarious stab at French actors adjusting to the #MeToo era while filming a romantic comedy" .

The success of "The Second Act," which sold over 500,000 tickets in French theaters, has generated significant excitement among American actors. According to Selignac, the film prompted many to ask, "Wait, can we still make films like this? Can we still laugh at everything? Can we still make jokes like this about women, men, minorities?" This questioning of contemporary comedy's boundaries appears to be a driving force behind the interest in "Full Phil" .

For Stewart, "Full Phil" represents another step in her carefully curated post-franchise career. Since concluding the "Twilight" saga, she has consistently chosen projects that challenge both herself and audiences, from her acclaimed performance in "Clouds of Sils Maria" to her portrayal of Princess Diana in "Spencer." Her willingness to work with unconventional directors and explore complex characters has established her as one of the most interesting actors of her generation.

The role in "Full Phil" allows Stewart to work within a comedic framework while exploring the complicated dynamics of a father-daughter relationship, themes that resonate with contemporary discussions about family, wealth, and connection in an increasingly disconnected world.

The project is already generating significant industry buzz, with many predicting a potential Cannes Film Festival premiere in 2026. The combination of Dupieux's growing reputation, the high-profile cast, and the international production backing suggests "Full Phil" could serve as a bridge between arthouse sensibilities and mainstream appeal .

The film's Paris setting and "White Lotus" vibe, as described in early reports, positions it within a trend of luxury-focused comedies that examine privilege and family dynamics against picturesque backdrops. This approach has proven successful for productions like HBO's "The White Lotus," suggesting there may be significant audience appetite for "Full Phil's" particular blend of high-end setting and character-driven comedy .

As production continues in Paris, "Full Phil" represents not just another entry in Dupieux's filmography, but a potential breakthrough moment that could establish him as a major voice in international cinema while providing Stewart with another opportunity to demonstrate her range and commitment to challenging, unconventional projects.