Adam Sandler Went To Extreme Lengths Filming Netflix Sci-Fi
Acting, probably one of the most alluring professions, isn’t easy, as many modern roles demand that actors undergo physical transformations, learn complex choreography, or perform their own stunts, which can be physically taxing and sometimes outright dangerous. During Adam Sandler’s Berlin Film Festival press conference for Spaceman , the actor reflected on his experiences on set, stating that the wires used to suspend him in the air physically hurt him.
Adam Sandler Hurt Filming Spaceman?
Though Sandler is mostly known for his work in the comedy genre, he actually has a few drama flicks under his belt as well, like Uncut Gems and Hustle. Now, in Adam Sandler’s most recent film, Spaceman, the actor once again takes on the dramatic role of an astronaut in space going through a crumbling marriage with his wife.
Adam Sandler, said about his time filming Spaceman, “The wires were tough because my body’s not the most flexible body. The wires hurt me, they dug into me.”
Floating In Microgravity
Since he had to appear as if he was floating in microgravity, Sandler was hooked up to a bunch of wires and cables so that the scenes would look as authentic as possible. However, as it turns out, this experience was uncomfortable, and it left the actor in pain.
Being suspended mid-air by wires and cables tends to be uncomfortable when you’re over half a century old—Sandler is currently 57—and only further underscores the importance of stunt people and the value they bring to movie productions.
Couldn’t Use A Stunt Double
Unfortunately for Adam Sandler, the specifics of his role in Spaceman don’t really work with a stunt double. Sure, many actors, like Robert Downey Jr. (MCU) and Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix), have worked with wires and cables, but not throughout the majority of the production.
Adam Sandler’s Spaceman revolves around Jakub Procházka—a character portrayed by Sandler—an astronaut who spends most of his time in space, on a mission at the edge of the solar system, where he collects mysterious ancient dust.
Visited By A Giant Spider
As his earthly life is falling to pieces, he turns to the only voice that can help him put his life together.
However, that voice just happens to belong to Hanuš, a giant spider from the beginning of time that lurks in the shadows of his ship—the arachnophobes among us might be screaming “no way” at the mere thought, but we assure you the spider isn’t scary.
Providing A Visual Reference
In fact, since the giant spider is an integral part of Adam Sandler’s Spaceman, the actor spent a lot of time filming scenes that show Jakub and the spider together.
However, considering that we lack a giant talking spider on Earth, the Spaceman director Johan Renck brought in Paul Dano to voice Hanuš, while the special effects team used a tennis ball attached to a stick to provide a visual reference for Adam Sandler.
This provided a visual reference for the mid-air-suspended actor and helped him maintain consistency in his eye lines.
Spaceman On Netflix
Adam Sandler’s Spaceman had its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 21st—with a positive critical reception—and a limited theatrical release on February 23, 2024. The movie is scheduled to make its streaming debut on Netflix on March 1, 2024.
Source: Variety
