Based on a true story, the film Not Without Hope showcases a thrilling fight for survival. We chatted with actors Zachary Levi, Quentin Plair, Terrence Terrell, and Marshall Cook to learn about their best audition tips, building trust and chemistry on set, and whether they enjoy being in water more or less after filming.

Not Without Hope follows Nick Schuyler, the real life sole survivor of a 2009 boating accident that took the lives of NFL football players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith. The film follows the group of friends stranded at sea and struggling for survival. Quentin plays Marquis, Terrence plays Corey, and Marshall plays Will Bleakley. The film was released in theaters earlier this month.

Because we got to chat with Mr. Flynn Rider himself, we asked Zachary about his best audition tips for aspiring actors. He even revealed that when he auditioned for Flynn Rider, he was told they were only looking at English actors for the role. But because he could do a good English accent, he made an impression on the casting directors, and after booking the role, they changed the character back to American.

Zach: “I think I was one of the only American actors seen [for Flynn Rider auditions].”

All that to say, Zachary said it is important to understand the character, make bold choices in your audition, and use every audition as a learning experience!

The film was shot entirely in Malta in 2023, and the cast mostly filmed in water, and all of them had very different experiences. Quentin revealed that before filming, he had to mentally prepare himself to get into water, but felt so connected and comfortable in it after filming.

Marshall and Terrence joked that they had a completely different experience, as it took them a couple months to even get back into water after filming in it for so long.

Quentin: “After filming this movie, I felt so connected to the water.”

Terrence: “It literally took me a few months to get back and realize I was okay in water.”

Since they filmed in such a remote location, the entire cast had to lean on each other and really build up their trust and chemistry in character and off set as well. Marshall said they all were part of an incredibly unique experience which united them. Also you’ll have to watch to hear about Quentin’s funny story about not having a phone plan and getting lost, later being found by one of his co-stars.

Marshall: “In the situation that we were in, you had to lean on each other.”

Thanks to Zachary, Quentin, Marshall, and Terrence for chatting with Young Entertainment! Watch the rest of the interview to hear about even more BTS moments and tips and be sure to like and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment.

Consider this:

• Use every audition as a learning experience. Don’t go into an audition and assume you will get the role, or don’t go into it desperate to book something. Even if it doesn’t work out, you’ll have made an impact on the casting director and can learn from the experience.