Emma Roberts stars as aspiring astronaut Tiffany “Rex” Simpson in the new movie Space Cadet. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Roberts shared that science was not her “strong suit” in middle school, recalling a traumatic experience of having to dissect a frog in seventh grade. Despite this, she underwent NASA training to prepare for her role and particularly enjoyed the anti-gravity spin.
Roberts also relates to her character’s pursuit of big dreams, crediting her mother, Kelly Cunningham, for instilling in her the belief that she could achieve anything. She hopes to pass on this mindset to her 3-year-old son, Rhodes, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend Garrett Hedlund. Space Cadet premieres via Prime Video on July 4.
Emma Roberts is taking on a new challenge in her latest film, Space Cadet. The actress, known for her roles in projects like Scream Queens and American Horror Story, is stepping into the world of space exploration.
In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Roberts revealed that her new role as an aspiring astronaut was a bit of a departure from her own experiences. “I remember having to do extra credit to pass seventh-grade science because cutting open the frog traumatized me,” she shared, adding that while she may not have excelled in the subject, she considers herself “street smart.”
In Space Cadet, Roberts plays Tiffany “Rex” Simpson, a young woman from Florida with her eyes set on the sky. Despite her embellished application, she is accepted into NASA’s astronaut training program, where she must rely on her wit and determination to succeed. To prepare for the role, Roberts underwent some real NASA training herself, including experiencing the anti-gravity spin, which she loved despite her character’s less-than-enthusiastic reaction.
The film also explores the theme of pursuing big dreams, something Roberts can relate to on a personal level. She credits her mother, Kelly Cunningham, for raising her with the belief that she could achieve anything. Now a mother herself to 3-year-old son, Rhodes (with ex-boyfriend Garrett Hedlund), Roberts wants to pass on this mindset to her child.
“You don’t realize how rare that is until you get older,” she said.
Space Cadet premieres on Prime Video on July 4 and also stars Desi Lydic, who plays Dr. Stacy Kellogg. Unlike Roberts’ character, Lydic’s character has no interest in space travel, citing her fear of elevators and roller coasters as reasons why she’d never venture into space.
With its inspiring message and Roberts’ relatable performance, Space Cadet is sure to be a hit when it blasts off on streaming platforms this summer.
