The Substance’s Dennis Quaid Gets Real About Eating So Much Shrimp While Filming That Uncomfortable Scene, And I Feel Queasy

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In 2024, Coralie Fargeat’s movie “The Substance” was chosen as TopMob’s favorite of the year, and it’s my personal pick too. This body horror masterpiece is loaded with stomach-churning scenes, but the one that stands out is when Dennis Quaid’s character Harvey devours shrimp in a restaurant. The camera gets uncomfortably close as he eats, making your queasy. Despite its nauseating portrayal on screen, Quaid enjoyed filming it and even had a delightful seafood meal afterwards.

This morning, Dennis Quaid appeared on Today discussing various upcoming projects. However, the host took a moment during the chat to inquire about his role in The Substance, particularly the well-known shrimp eating scene. Quaid shared that he had a feeling the scene would be exceptional while filming it and was delighted to repeatedly devour the sauce-coated shrimps.

I was aware it was a myth as I went along with it. Approximately three pounds of shrimp I consumed have turned into around five, I’m guessing. Not entirely sure, but I did finish off all the rest – except for those stuck on my face. However, it was a blast doing so. The director was fantastic to work with, incredibly enjoyable.

In my opinion, there are hardly any behind-the-scenes processes in Hollywood that I find as unpleasant as the spit bucket – a useful tool for actors who don’t wish to feel nauseous from repeatedly rehearsing and filming scenes involving their characters eating. However, I have to admit that Dennis Quaid’s experience of using five pounds of shrimp during the production of “The Substance” might just be even more off-putting.

I enjoy consuming shrimp, yet it’s clear that overindulgence can be excessive. This notion doesn’t seem to resonate with the lead actor from the movies “Frequency” and “Far From Heaven,” as he puts it: he has no such reservations about shrimp consumption.

Well, it was like going to Capt. Benny’s, you know what I mean? Just give me a tub.

If some of you might be experiencing a queasy sensation following this, let me assure you: The image of Dennis Quaid consuming three to five pounds of shrimp will undoubtedly cross my mind as I watch The Substance. I believe it will only serve to heighten my appreciation for the grittiness of that particular scene in the intensely gruesome movie.

If you’re interested in verifying my theory, the Oscar-winning film for Best Makeup and Hairstyling can be streamed immediately – just get a Mubi add-on subscription on Amazon Prime Video (which offers a seven-day free trial). For those who prefer physical media, The Substance is available in 4K UHD and Blu-ray formats as well.

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2025-05-01 05:37