In Space Cadet, Rex has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut, but her life doesn’t follow the path that one needs to sustain this dream. However, things take an unexpected turn when her best friend, Nadine, helps her with her resume, and she is somehow accepted into the NASA space training program. Although she doesn’t fit the traditional trainee mold, Rex might be just what NASA needs as she finally has a chance to live out her dream.

Space Cadet is a quirky, heartwarming comedy with the theme of second chances at the core of the story, which shows it is never too late to follow one’s dream. Emma Roberts delivers a performance full of comedy and heart, leading a phenomenally funny cast that includes Gabrielle Union, Poppy Liu (Hacks), and Tom Hopper (The Umbrella Academy). Liz W. Garcia helmed Space Cadet as both the writer and director, working alongside Roberts who also served as an executive producer.

Screen Rant interviewed stars Emma Roberts and Poppy Liu about their new comedy Space Cadet. Roberts shared her love of space and excitement about being part of a tight ensemble as well as the collaborative spirit on set. Liu explained how her character would do anything for her friends and revealed how she came up with the multitude of silly voices she uses in Space Cadet.

Space Cadet Is A Story “Second Chances And Following Your Dreams”

Roberts’ own love of space was the perfect way to connect with her character, Rex, before digging into the complexities and depth of looking for a second chance after losing their way. Roberts explained what drew her to the character and her story while also praising the brilliant performances from the rest of the cast.

Emma Roberts: Yes, I’m a space nerd. I love space. That was the first thing I said to Liz Garcia, our writer director. When I met her, I was like, I love space. And then I was like, I sound so dumb. Why did I say that? I love this movie. It’s feel good and to see it come together. I read it on paper. I loved it and to see all the characters brought to life.

I mean, what Poppy did with Nadine, what Tom Hopper did with Logan, what Gabrielle Union did. I just felt so proud to be a part of this quirky feel good movie, and it is about second chances and following your dreams, and I don’t feel like there’s enough stuff out there like that right now, and I feel like we really need that right now.

Nadine is the ultimate friend with a heart of gold. She’s a true ride or die, the puppet master of Rex’s destiny, if you will. Tell us a little bit about Nadine, how you connect with the theme of a local girl dreaming big, and what is the craziest thing you’ve done for a friend?

Poppy Liu: I think of it as Nadine sets the bar at friendship. I was saying earlier, if your friend isn’t ready to commit fraud for you, not a real friend, drop them. What’s the craziest thing I’ve done for a friend? I don’t know. I’ve threatened a lot to be like, someone mess with you. I’m like, I’ll find them. What’s their location? What’s their number?

I’m like, I have a Scorpio moon, so I’m not scared of conflict. And I was like, Let me talk to them. They want to fight. I’ll fight. I say as I’ve never gotten into a fight before, but I will really emotionally and energetically fight. Oh, oh. The best thing I do for friends is that I will hex their enemies. Yes, I have a powerful yes, I will cast spells for manifestation for them. I’ll also hex their enemies, so don’t get on my backside, then I’ll hex you.

Emma Roberts Was Proud “To Get To Be A Part Of This From The Ground Up”

Roberts was also an executive producer on the movie, working directly with Garcia as an actor while also shaping every aspect of the movie. She praised Garcia’s collaborative spirit and shared her desire to work with her on future projects.

Emma Roberts: First of all, I love being part of an ensemble. To me, that’s the most fun, whether it’s on a show or in a movie and this ensemble truly was that. And like I said, I was so lucky to get to work off of these energies, especially with comedy, it’s all about who you’re with.

Obviously Poppy is a comedic genius. Everyone brought something so genuine or funny, and to get to feel seen and heard by Liz meant so much. To get to be a part of this from the ground up and really see it come to life was truly so special. I told Liz, I’m like, I will do anything with you. I hope I get the honor to do it again. It really felt collaborative, which not every movie does.

Poppy, I love the voices you do when Logan’s calling you for Rex’s references. Where did some of those voices come from?

Poppy Liu: : Some of ’em came from my delusional seven month pregnant brain because I was in fact, seven months pregnant. Someone asked earlier, they were like, Oh my God, I didn’t realize you were actually pregnant. And I was like, that’s hilarious. That imagine I just put on my belly every single day to just be like, Nadine’s pregnant.

But yeah, in my heart, the real me is, I’m just a silly, goofy guy. So I think just doing things that make me giggle or kind of [laughs] too, was kind of how I approached it. Nadine’s just a Florida girly. She’s just being a good friend and that took the pressure off of it. I was like, None of these accents have to be that good. She’s just trying to pass the time doing her nine to five at the Muscle Gym.

About Space Cadet

Rex, a Florida party girl, turns out to be the only hope for the NASA space program after a fluke puts her in training with other candidates who may have better resumés, but don’t have her smarts, heart, and moxie.

Check back soon for our other Space Cadet interviews:

• Tom Hopper
• Liz W. Garcia

Source: Screen Rant Plus