How Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley Physically Prepared to ‘Pump It Up’ for Oscar-Nominated Film “The Substance”

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley’s Physical Preparation for ‘The Substance’

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley delved deep into physical preparation for their roles in the Coralie Fargeat-directed film, “The Substance.” In the movie, Moore, at 62, portrayed Elizabeth Sparkle, a waning Hollywood star who also recently lost her job as a host of an aerobics show. Following Elizabeth’s consumption of “the substance,” Sue, a younger version of herself played by Qualley, emerged from her spine, becoming the newest sensation in the industry. As Sue steps into Elizabeth’s shoes on the fitness show, the themes of aging, fame, and the relentless pursuit of youth take center stage, drawing viewers into a gory and emotionally charged exploration. Despite the film’s niche body horror genre, it has received widespread acclaim during awards season, earning five nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards, including Best Actress for Moore and Best Picture.

Demi Moore’s nomination marks a pinnacle in her over 40-year acting career, being hailed as a strong contender for the Best Actress award, thanks to her wins at the Critics’ Choice, SAG, and Golden Globe Awards. Moore disclosed the extreme toll the role took on her, recounting how she developed shingles during her first week off set and lost 20 pounds in the process. The film demanded full-frontal nudity from both Moore and Qualley, with Moore emphasizing that the focus wasn’t on looking attractive but rather on showcasing vulnerabilities and imperfections. As the narrative unfolds and the Substance’s effects spiral, Moore found herself in extensive prosthetics, altering her movements and challenging her on-screen presence.

Qualley, on the other hand, navigated her own intensive preparation for the film’s iconic dance sequences. Recalling strenuous weekend rehearsals before filming commenced, Qualley admitted struggling to grasp the choreography initially, leading to moments of vulnerability on set. Every day posed new physical and emotional challenges for Qualley, particularly during the demanding dance sequences, culminating in her memorable performance to DJ Endor’s “Pump It Up!” Both Moore and Qualley admitted that the film pushed them far beyond their comfort zones physically and emotionally, underscoring the dedication required to bring their characters to life authentically.

Reflecting on the transformative prosthetic process for her role, Qualley revealed that her skin took a year to recover from the effects of the Substance prosthetics, showcasing the depth of commitment both actors poured into their roles. The intense physical demands of the film pushed them to their limits, highlighting their unwavering dedication to their craft. Moore and Qualley’s portrayal of Elizabeth and Sue in “The Substance” goes beyond standard performances, delving into the raw, unfiltered aspects of their characters’ journeys, resonating with audiences and critics alike.

As Moore and Qualley navigate the complexities of their characters’ intertwined fates in “The Substance,” their performances have not only captivated audiences but have also earned critical acclaim. The rigorous physical preparation undertaken by the actors underscores their commitment to authentically portraying the complexities of aging, stardom, and womanhood explored in the film. Through their nuanced performances and willingness to push boundaries, Moore and Qualley have elevated “The Substance” to a standout piece in the world of cinema, setting a new standard for immersive storytelling and character portrayal.