Second time lucky

Jodie Foster as Meg Altman, “Panic Room”

Original Casting Choice: Nicole Kidman backed out of the physically demanding project due to a knee injury she sustained on the set of “Moulin Rouge.”

Why the Switch Worked: Foster projects fierce maternal protectiveness as a homeowner who cocoons herself and her daughter in a securely locked safe room while a band of thieves try to break in. Her gravitas provides a human anchor rare for popcorn thrillers.