Adam Sandler ‘Hated Every Second’ of Filming Spaceman’s Zero Gravity Scenes

In Netflix’s Spaceman, Adam Sandler steps into the shoes of an astronaut on a crucial mission beyond the stars. During an interview with MovieWeb, Sandler humorously recounted the challenges of portraying the sensation of floating in zero gravity, attributing his struggles to his lack of gracefulness. Carey Mulligan, his co-star, expressed greater confidence in her ability to tackle such scenes, crediting her Pilates practice for her readiness.

“I spent a couple weeks of preparation getting used to trying to like I’m floating.
I have a clumsy body; it wasn’t easy for me.
You look like you could handle it,” said Adam Sandler to MovieWeb’s Will Sayre.

“That’s debatable,” said Sayre.

Sandler asked Carey Mulligan, “Could you do it, by the way?”

“Oh yeah. I do Pilates,” said Mulligan.

“You’d be great,” responded Sandler.

“I’d actually relish the opportunity.”

“She would. I hated every second of it,” admitted Sandler.

The film, based on Jaroslav Kalfar’s novel Spaceman of Bohemia, follows Sandler’s character as he embarks on a mission to collect space dust, only to find his personal life disintegrating upon his return. Mulligan plays as Sandler’s wife, adding depth to the story with her portrayal of a woman coping with the complexities of love and distance.

The film’s director, Johan Renck, known for his work on Chernobyl, praised Sandler’s performance in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He highlighted the physical demands of the role, with Sandler acting against a tennis ball while suspended in mid-air, and commended the actor’s ability to convey a range of emotions under challenging circumstances. Renck said:

“When I look at this film now and I look at Adam’s performance, it’s phenomenal. He was hanging there on the wires. And he’s no spring chicken anymore. He’s not a gymnast or a bodybuilder. And he’s hanging in mid-air, acting against a tennis ball, with me around the corner reading lines. Then you look at the film and see the profound curiosity in his eyes, the bafflement, all these subtle details. All this acting against a f—ing tennis ball.”

Adam Sandler’s Daring Leap into Sci-Fi with Spaceman

Spaceman marks a departure from Sandler’s typical comedic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Throughout his career, Sandler has demonstrated his ability to evoke laughter and tears, earning critical acclaim for his performance in the Safdie Brothers’ Uncut Gems. His foray into the science fiction genre with Spaceman further cements his status as a multifaceted actor capable of tackling a wide range of characters and stories.

Renck’s admiration for Sandler extends beyond his professional capabilities. Renck emphasized that Spaceman would not have been possible without Sandler’s dedication and talent.

“I love Adam. He’s the best human being on the planet. He’s a tremendous actor, formidable and amazing,” he remarked.

As Spaceman launches on Netflix, audiences can look forward to a film that not only explores the outer reaches of space but also delves into the inner workings of the human heart. With Sandler leading the way, Spaceman promises to be a captivating addition to his diverse portfolio of work.

Spaceman

Release Date

March 1, 2024

Director

Johan Renck

Runtime

1hr 47min