Emmanuel Itier: Was it interesting to be part of a film that is not only a huge special effect-driven treat but also a well-thought-out and even spiritual, in some way, ride?

Troy Garity: I think it’s a dream come true for an actor to be part of a film that has so many layers of entertainment and questioning. It’s not your typical science-fiction film, and it is refreshing to be part of something that makes you think. For me, it’s a philosophical thriller that deals with the relation between God and science. It deals with science versus destiny. Can we, as a people, control our own destiny? Are we in charge of our fate? Even with all of this science, can we predict and decide about our death, or are we victims of nature? Are we controlled by something much greater than ourselves? These are the many questions intertwined in this entertaining movie.

EI: Did this film push you to re-evaluate your views and faith about spiritual issues? Any conclusions?

TG: I think this film is in line with my faith. For me, there is a supreme power to life, and the sun is one of those. And although the ego of men can make us feel that we are in control, the truth is that we’re not. There are things and powers much greater than ourselves, and perhaps human experience is the nature of existence. The thing that changed me is when you start studying the universe: the sun is one of the billion stars in our visible galaxy. And our visible galaxy represents only a pinhead in comparison to the galaxies beyond that. It really puts our own being into perspective. Perhaps we really are just stardust in what is a much greater world.

EI: Anything strange happen during the shooting that made you think about the presence of a greater power?

TG: Fatigue can make you believe in many strange things, so I’m not certain I experienced any “God-like” discoveries, but I was tired enough to walk into couple of walls. The greatest experience for me doing this film was leaving my biggest childhood fantasy to live inside a real spaceship…or almost. And pressing buttons that actually work, and joysticks, and working with Danny Boyle. This was such a pleasure to work with somebody having great work ethic. His level of commitment to bring to life this movie was amazing. His truth to being an author and following his vision was inspiring to all of us. No scene is normal and it always has a twist–a Danny Boyle sub-text. Danny also surprised me because he never sits down because he is constantly digging, working in the moment and so engaged. When your director doesn’t sit, it makes you want to stand up with him.

EI: If you had a choice and if you were put on a real spaceship, what would be your destination?

TG: Where would I like to go? I think I would love to walk on the moon. I think I would enjoy walking on the moon.