Margaret Qualley has built a reputation for taking on diverse and challenging roles across film and television, yet she has notably steered clear of committing to any major film franchises. In a recent conversation with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff about her current film Honey Don’t, Qualley revealed her apprehensions about franchise commitments, openly describing herself as “a commitment-phobe.” Despite widespread speculation about her joining blockbuster franchises like Marvel, she clarified that the demands of such long-term projects and lack of immediate offers have kept her from pursuing that path.
Qualley’s hesitancy centers on concerns about the time investment and creative restrictions often associated with recurring franchise roles. She stated,
“I don’t think I want to commit to a franchise. It seems like a lot of time, and I’m scared.”
She added,
“But also, no one’s asking me to do anything.”
Although talented enough to attract franchise casting, including rumors linking her to Marvel’s Rogue, Qualley indicated that the projects would need to offer a director-driven, creatively exciting environment for her to consider joining.
Lessons Learned from Early Career Experiences
Margaret Qualley credits her early career with teaching her invaluable lessons about taking creative risks and embracing imperfections. She highlighted the TV show The Leftovers as a critical learning ground where her understanding of acting deepened, emphasizing the freedom that comes with not adhering to a rigid formula.
“There really isn’t a right way to do something, and so much of the best work comes from a lack of control,”
she remarked, stressing that growth often comes from trial and error rather than certainty.
Qualley admitted to frequently doubting herself, even with her extensive experience. Reflecting on one of her initial film roles in Novitiate, she recalled struggles with authenticity, especially in emotionally charged scenes. She shared an anecdote about co-star Julianne Nicholson advising her on how to approach a fight scene simply by letting go:
“I was just scared to yell. I was like, ‘How do you do that?’ … She was like, ‘I don’t know. You’re just fucking yelling.’ And I was like, ‘Right. Yeah. You’re just fucking yelling. Okay.’”
This advice symbolized a broader realization about overcoming fear to deliver genuine performances.
The Challenge and Reward of Prosthetic-Heavy Roles
One of the most demanding roles in Qualley’s recent filmography was her part in the body horror film The Substance, where she played Sue, a character requiring intensive prosthetics use. The experience was physically taxing, involving four to six hours of makeup application daily, yet the final result was artistically rewarding. She expressed deep respect for prosthetics artists, calling the outcome “specifically gorgeous” and praising the craftsmanship involved.
Still, Qualley jokingly warned other actors about the challenge, saying,
“Just don’t do it. No, I think everyone’s got to do it once and if you’re a repeat offender, you got some masochistic stuff going on.”
After completing The Substance, she soon began working on Drive-Away Dolls, describing the latter as a “very freeing experience” that contrasted with the intensity of the former.
When asked about how The Substance influenced her personal outlook, Qualley emphasized the importance of opening conversations around identity and imperfections. She explained,
“It’s not like now I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m not perfect, and it rules!’ I think it’s deeply embedded in my brain to try to be [perfect], and it was certainly taxing while playing the character.”
She described the film as complex and multifaceted, one that
“does the thing and says the thing at the same time,”
leaving uncertainty about its lasting impact.
How Aubrey Plaza Influenced Qualley’s Performance in ‘Honey Don’t’
Honey Don’t, a neo-noir detective film set in Bakersfield, California, required Qualley to adapt to a stylized and distinctive tone, blending elements reminiscent of classic film noir characters with a contemporary sensibility. Initially uncertain about her approach, Qualley admitted reshooting her first two days of filming to find the right style. She described the character’s vibe as channeling
“a Humphrey Bogart, kind of Lauren Bacall, old-timey quality”
combined with the natural rhythm typical of Coen brothers’ storytelling.
Qualley credited Aubrey Plaza’s arrival on set with dramatically transforming the dynamic and elevating her own performance. She said,
“She’s just such a brilliant actress. She’s just so alive and so authentic all the time that she makes everyone around her better.”
This collaboration enhanced Qualley’s ability to tap into her character’s nuances and contributed significantly to the film’s execution.
Margaret Qualley’s Career Highlights and Film Variety
Since her professional debut on the critically acclaimed series The Leftovers, Margaret Qualley has continually expanded her range. She has worked alongside actors such as Russell Crowe in The Nice Guys and earned Emmy nominations for her roles in Maid and Fosse/Verdon. Her collaboration with filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos on Poor Things marked another daring step in her career, and she drew attention for her performance in the genre-bending film The Substance. Her recent lead in Honey Don’t further showcases her willingness to embrace complex characters in diverse genres.
Qualley’s varied filmography reflects a commitment to exploring complicated and unique roles, highlighting her as a versatile and daring artist. From intense dramas to darkly comedic thrillers, she consistently pursues projects that challenge both her range and depth as an actor.
The Continued Impact of ‘Honey Don’t’ and Future Possibilities
Honey Don’t is now playing in theaters nationwide, offering audiences a neo-noir narrative centered around a private investigator entangled with a mysterious church and a cult leader. Qualley leads the film as Honey O’Donahue, supported by notable performances from Aubrey Plaza and others. The film’s success adds to Qualley’s growing reputation for selecting unconventional and provocative material.
Although she currently avoids major franchise commitments, her openness about what would entice her—working with an inspiring director who makes the environment feel safe and exciting—signals that she remains selective but not closed off to future franchise opportunities. Fans and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see if this cautious approach evolves, especially as her career continues to thrive across various challenging projects.
