Kristen Stewart plans foreign films to defy U.S. restrictions

Kristen Stewart, 35, has made it clear she is reconsidering her long-term future in the U.S. film industry amid the ongoing political and economic pressures under the Trump administration. Speaking to the U.K.’s The Times, the actress admitted that working freely in America has become increasingly difficult. “Probably not [working long-term in the U.S.],” Stewart said, adding, “I can’t work freely there. But I don’t want to give up completely. I’d like to make movies in Europe and then shove them down the throat of the American people.”

Stewart, who recently directed her first feature, The Chronology of Water, filmed the project in Latvia due to what she described as insurmountable obstacles in the U.S. film industry. The actress highlighted the looming threat of tariffs President Trump has proposed on foreign-made films, calling the potential restrictions “terrifying.”

In May 2025, Trump announced on his Truth Social platform plans for a 100 percent tariff on all films produced outside the United States. He framed the move as necessary to protect American cinema, claiming other nations were “offering all sorts of incentives to draw our filmmakers and studios away” and deeming the situation a national security concern. The White House later clarified that no final decisions had been made, though they were “exploring all options” in line with the President’s directive.

Stewart sees filmmaking as more than a career; it is her way of engaging with the world. “It’s how I relate to the world,” she explained. “I’m always going, ‘How are we going to make that into a movie?’” By continuing to shoot abroad, Stewart maintains creative control while positioning herself to challenge the U.S. market indirectly.

The actress’ comments come amid broader tensions between Hollywood and the Trump administration, highlighting the struggle between political mandates and artistic freedom. While tariffs have not yet been implemented, Stewart’s approach signals a growing trend of U.S. artists seeking international opportunities to preserve their craft and voice.

With The Chronology of Water now complete and Stewart exploring new European projects, she appears committed to navigating around restrictive policies while keeping her work accessible to American audiences, effectively turning the political climate into a catalyst for her creative strategy.