Kristen Stewart is getting candid about one of the more unexpected challenges she faced while filming her new movie “Full Phil.”
While promoting the film at the Cannes Film Festival, Stewart revealed that constantly eating on camera turned out to be one of the toughest parts of the role. The Paris-set comedy follows a father-daughter duo, played by Stewart and Woody Harrelson, as they try to reconnect — with a storyline heavily centered around food.
“I only puked once,” Stewart admitted while reflecting on the experience. She explained that filming required her to eat real French cuisine throughout long takes, making the process physically demanding at times.
‘I Had to Eat All Day Long’ While Filming in Paris
According to Deadline, Stewart said the production leaned into realism, which meant there was no faking the food scenes. “Our process means that I have to eat all day long,” she said, noting that meals were prepared by a French chef to accurately reflect the setting.
That realism didn’t always sit well. Stewart recalled one moment involving a cauliflower dish that smelled strongly of butter, even though she was told it was made with vegetable oil. “I was like, ‘You can smell the butter,’” she said, adding that the moment ultimately made her sick.
The challenge was amplified by how the film was shot. Stewart explained that scenes were done in long takes without breaks, so she couldn’t rely on tricks like spit buckets to avoid actually consuming the food. On top of that, she had to deliver dialogue while continuously eating.
Still, she said the experience added depth to her performance. Stewart described her character as “a voracious bottomless pit, eating her feelings,” explaining that the food became a symbolic part of the story. “The eating’s cool because it’s nice to have obstacles,” she said, per Deadline.
Harrelson, who has followed a vegan diet for years, joked that he would have taken a different approach. “I’d have had a spit bucket. I wouldn’t care,” he said.
Finally Working Together and Leaning Into Creative Freedom
“Full Phil” also marks the first time Stewart and Harrelson have worked together after years of knowing each other. According to People, the two first met when Stewart was a teenager and stayed in touch over the years.
Stewart said she had long admired Harrelson and was excited to finally collaborate. “It was love at first sight,” she said of first becoming a fan, adding, “I’ve wanted to work with this guy forever.”
Directed by Quentin Dupieux, the film blends absurd comedy with a more emotional father-daughter dynamic. Dupieux said the concept was loosely inspired by his own experience as a parent, though exaggerated for the story. “It’s almost like a nightmare version,” he said, per Deadline.
The project also aligns with Stewart’s interest in more unconventional filmmaking. Per Variety, she signed on before even reading the script, drawn to Dupieux’s creative approach. She also spoke openly about her frustration with the traditional studio system, saying she’s “so sick of the rules” and wants to focus on more independent work.
“Full Phil” premiered at Cannes to a lively crowd and received a standing ovation, though reactions to its offbeat tone were mixed. Still, Stewart embraced the moment alongside her cast.
For Stewart, the film may have pushed her limits, but it’s one she fully committed to. “Our process means that I have to eat all day long,” she said.
