Summer is here and what better way to celebrate than with the new coming-of-age comedy Space Cadet, starring Emma Roberts as Rex. Before the film’s release on Prime Video on July 4, we got to chat with Poppy Liu, who plays Nadine, Rex’s best friend in the film, to learn more about working with Emma, her firsts while filming, and her favorite “space-themed” snacks to eat while binging the film. 

Space Cadet follows Rex, a Florida party girl, who gets into the NASA space program thanks to her best friend Nadine. While it is a fluke that puts Rex into training with other candidates who may be more qualified, they don’t have her smarts, heart, and moxie. In addition to Emma and Poppy, Gabrielle Union, Tom Hopper, and more make up the cast. 

“Space is universal as is this film.”

Poppy has been in the performance space since she was young, growing up in both Shanghai, China, and Minnesota. Her entry into film began with a number of collaborations with Chinese American and female filmmakers, including producing the short films and series Names of Women (2017) and Mercy Mistress (2018). She made her television debut on NBC’s New Amsterdam and has also starred in NBC’s Sunnyside and the award-winning HBO Max series Hacks. 

Poppy said she filmed most of the series while she was pregnant with her first child, and really embraced that part of her personal life while she was in character. She said the costume department was also helpful in making her feel like her character Nadine and were very accommodating. 

“It is a first where my pregnant belly was heavily featured and celebrated as part of my character.”

“Once you’re in the Nadine outfit, it’s impossible not to feel like Nadine.”

We had to ask Poppy what it was like working with Emma Roberts, who has been in the industry since she was a child, known for her roles in the films Nerve, Aquamarine, Wild Child, and more, and her roles in the television series Scream Queens and American Horror Story. Poppy said she felt comfortable and at ease working with a seasoned actor like Emma which made it easy to play best friends in Space Cadet. 

“There is a sort of ease and comfort that [Emma Roberts] brings which is really great especially for the dynamic we have as life long besties.”

“It was nice to receive that love and care also [from Emma].”

Thank you, Poppy, for chatting with Young Entertainment. Follow her on her Instagram at @poppyrepublic. Watch the video below where we ask her more about funny behind-the-scenes moments, filming in New Jersey during the fall, and her favorite snacks to eat while watching movies. 

Consider this: 

• Try to learn as much as you can from your co-stars, especially those who have been in the industry longer. They can definitely offer unique and helpful insight on set. 
• Costumes play a big part in getting into character. Embrace your character’s costumes and use them to your advantage.