The Substance Cast Revealed: 7 Shocking Secrets About Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, And The Body Horror Film's Star-Studded Lineup

The Substance cast list for the 2024 body horror sensation has captured global attention, primarily due to the transformative and fearless performances of its leading trio: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid. As of December 2025, the film is dominating conversations for its sharp satirical take on Hollywood’s obsession with youth and the female body, making its stars and their intense roles the subject of intense curiosity.

The movie, a critical darling directed by Coralie Fargeat, has been hailed as one of the most provocative and visually stunning films of the year, winning major accolades like the Best Screenplay award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. This article dives deep into the acclaimed cast, providing a comprehensive profile of the main actors and the supporting players who brought this terrifying and timely story to life.

The Substance Main Cast: Complete Biography and Profile

The film’s central conflict revolves around a fading celebrity, Elisabeth Sparkle, and her younger, "better" self, Sue, a dynamic brought to explosive life by two generations of Hollywood talent. Here is a complete profile of the main cast members who dared to take on the controversial themes of The Substance.

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Demi Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle

• Role in The Substance: Elisabeth Sparkle, a long-time Hollywood star and former aerobics icon who is fired from her TV hosting gig on her 50th birthday. Her desperation leads her to use "The Substance" to create a new, younger self.
• Birth Name: Demi Gene Guynes
• Born: November 11, 1962, in Roswell, New Mexico, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Moore rose to prominence in the 1980s and became one of the highest-paid actresses in the world by 1995. Her iconic roles include Molly Jensen in Ghost (1990), Diana Murphy in Indecent Proposal (1993), and Lieutenant Commander Jordan O'Neil in G.I. Jane (1997). She was a key member of the 1980s "Brat Pack."
• Recent Work: Before The Substance, Moore was seen in projects like Please Baby Please and the podcast series Dirty Diana.

Margaret Qualley as Sue

• Role in The Substance: Sue, the younger, perfect, and seemingly superior version of Elisabeth Sparkle, created by the black-market substance. Her character embodies the ruthless, idealized version of youth and beauty demanded by society.
• Birth Name: Sarah Margaret Qualley
• Born: October 23, 1994, in Kalispell, Montana, U.S.
• Career Highlights: The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, Qualley initially trained as a ballet dancer. She gained critical acclaim for her roles as Jill Garvey in the HBO series The Leftovers and as Pussycat in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). She received an Emmy nomination for her leading role in the Netflix limited series Maid (2021).
• Fun Fact: She is also a model and has walked for major fashion houses.

Dennis Quaid as Harvey

• Role in The Substance: Harvey, Elisabeth Sparkle's misogynistic and demanding boss who fires her from her popular television show, triggering her descent into the use of the experimental drug.
• Birth Name: Dennis William Quaid
• Born: April 9, 1954, in Houston, Texas, U.S.
• Career Highlights: A prolific American actor known for a wide range of roles, Quaid emerged as a movie star in the 1980s. Key films include The Right Stuff (1983), The Parent Trap (1998), The Rookie (2002), and Far From Heaven (2002). His portrayal of Harvey provides a grounded, yet repulsive, antagonist for the body horror narrative.
• Recent Work: Quaid has recently starred in the faith-based film Reagan and the series Full Circle.

The Supporting Players: A Deep Dive into The Substance Cast

While the film is dominated by the powerful performances of Moore and Qualley, the impact of The Substance relies on a meticulously curated supporting cast that grounds the satirical horror in a recognizable, corporate reality. These actors help to build the world of shallow television and relentless perfectionism that drives Elisabeth's extreme decisions.

The Full Supporting Cast List

The ensemble cast features a mix of established and rising international actors, adding depth to the narrative:

• Hugo Diego Garcia as Max
• Joseph Balderrama as Craig
• Oscar Lesage as Assistant Director
• Gore Abrams as Oliver
• Edward Hamilton Clark as Fred
• Matthew Géczy as Dr. Smith
• Phillip Schurer as The Host
• Chloë Bailey as The Substance Promoter (uncredited)

Hugo Diego Garcia’s role, Max, provides a contrast to the toxic environment of Elisabeth's workplace, offering a glimmer of human connection. Joseph Balderrama and Oscar Lesage, among others, fill out the demanding, image-obsessed world of television production, making the body horror elements feel even more visceral and earned. The film’s success is a testament to the entire cast’s ability to commit fully to the director Coralie Fargeat’s uncompromising vision.

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The Substance: Critical Acclaim and the Movie's Shocking Success

What makes the Substance cast list a hot topic is not just the star power, but the film's unexpected and overwhelming critical success. This body horror film is not just a genre piece; it is a prestige picture that has been widely celebrated for its sharp script and incredible performances, particularly from Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley.

Cannes Triumph and Record Ovation

The film’s world premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival was nothing short of a sensation. It reportedly received a standing ovation that lasted upwards of 9 minutes, an extremely rare and high honor. This immediate, enthusiastic reception signaled that the film was a major piece of cinema, transcending the typical horror label.

The film went on to win the prestigious Best Screenplay award at Cannes, a significant victory for writer-director Coralie Fargeat. This award highlights the film’s intelligent, satirical core, proving that its shocking visuals are backed by a profound and timely message about female body image and societal pressures.

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The Topical Authority of "The Substance"

The film’s plot—where a woman uses a black-market cell-replicating substance to create a younger, more desirable version of herself—taps directly into modern anxieties about aging, cosmetic surgery, and the impossible standards of social media. The movie serves as a brutal, visceral critique of the "cult of youth" and the internal struggle for self-acceptance. The dual roles of Elisabeth Sparkle and Sue allow Moore and Qualley to explore the dark side of celebrity and the price of "perfection."

The director, Coralie Fargeat, has been praised for her uncompromising and unflinching direction, establishing her as a major voice in the body horror and satirical genre. The film's success is a rare combination of critical acclaim and buzz, positioning it as a strong contender in the pre-awards season discussions, a feat rarely achieved by a horror film.

In conclusion, the Substance cast list is a powerful mix of veteran stars willing to take risks and rising talent ready to deliver career-defining performances. The film’s bold narrative, its undeniable critical success, and the sheer commitment of its actors have cemented The Substance as a must-watch cinematic event of 2024 and beyond. The movie is currently available for streaming on Mubi, allowing a wider audience to experience its shocking, relevant, and unforgettable story.