Demi Moore, known for taking on challenging roles with ease, recently opened up about the intense physical and emotional toll her latest film, The Substance, had on her. In a candid interview with the LA Times, the 60-year-old actress shared her experience working on the body horror film directed by Coralie Fargeat.
Reflecting on the demands of the project, Moore revealed that the stress of filming led to significant health issues. “To give you an idea of the intensity, my first week that I actually had off, where it was just Margaret [Qualley] working, I got shingles,” she said, adding that the rare condition was triggered by the stress of the production.
The physical toll didn’t stop there. In a surprising revelation, she confessed, “I then lost around 20 pounds.” The weight loss and health challenges underscored the level of commitment Moore brought to the role, fully immersing herself in the character and the grueling demands of the film.
Despite the hardships, Moore emphasized her dedication to the project. “You have to walk away feeling that you put it all on the table. It called for it, and it’s what you want to bring to it,” she explained. The actress saw this role as a turning point in her career, allowing her to explore darker, more complex aspects of the human experience.
The Substance delves into the internal struggles of youth striving for perfection, a theme that Moore found compelling. The film is set to hit theaters on September 20, 2024, and fans are eagerly awaiting Moore’s portrayal of yet another complex character.
For Moore, this project wasn’t just another film, but a deep dive into the raw emotions and intense physical demands that come with pushing boundaries in her craft. While the journey took a toll on her, she emerged from the experience with no regrets, having given everything she had to bring her character to life.