Cast and Crew of Self/less

Self/less

'Self/less' is a sci-fi thriller about an extremely wealthy elderly man named Damian, played by Ben Kingsley, who is dying from cancer. He undergoes a radical medical procedure that transfers his consciousness into the body of a healthy young man, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. However, as he adjusts to his new life, he begins to uncover the dark secrets surrounding the origin of his new body and a clandestine organization determined to protect those secrets at any cost. The film explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of playing god with science.

Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes:
1. Ryan Reynolds, known for his witty and comedic roles, took a more serious and intense turn in 'Self/less,' showcasing his range as an actor.
2. The film's visual effects blend practical makeup techniques with CGI to realistically portray the consciousness transfer and the body's aging process.
3. Director Tarsem Singh, known for his visually stunning films, used vibrant and symbolic imagery throughout the movie to enhance its thematic depth and emotional impact.

Main Cast of Self/less

Ryan Reynolds as Young Damian

Ryan Reynolds

Young Damian
In 'Self/less,' Ryan Reynolds delivers a compelling performance as Young Damian, portraying a character grappling with the complexities of identity and morality in a sci-fi thriller context. Compared to his typically charismatic and comedic roles, such as in 'Deadpool,' this part showcases Reynolds's versatility in adopting a more serious and introspective demeanor. A trivia fact is that 'Self/less' marked one of the few times Reynolds ventured into pure science fiction drama before becoming widely known for his action-comedy persona.
Ben Kingsley as Damian

Ben Kingsley

Damian
Ben Kingsley played a pivotal role in the 2015 science fiction thriller 'Self/less,' portraying the character Albright, a mysterious and morally ambiguous figure behind a revolutionary body-transference procedure. Kingsley's performance was widely praised for bringing depth and gravitas to the film, effectively balancing charm and menace, which elevated the movie's exploration of identity and mortality. What made his portrayal unique was his ability to infuse the enigmatic character with subtle emotional complexity, making Albright more than just an antagonist but a man grappling with the consequences of his own creation. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Kingsley was deeply involved in shaping the character's philosophical outlook, often discussing themes of ethics and existence with the director during filming, which helped enrich his on-screen presence.
Natalie Martinez as Madeline

Natalie Martinez

Madeline
Natalie Martinez played a pivotal role in the 2015 sci-fi thriller 'Self/less,' where she portrayed Anna, the empathetic nurse entwined in the film's exploration of identity and morality. Her performance was well-received, noted for bringing a grounded humanity to a complex and futuristic narrative, which helped anchor the film's emotional stakes. What made her role unique was her ability to convey subtle compassion amidst the movie's intense action sequences, providing a vital emotional counterbalance. A lesser-known behind-the-scenes fact is that Martinez spent time shadowing real-life nurses to prepare for her role, immersing herself in their routines to authentically capture the nuances of Anna's character beyond the script.
Matthew Goode as Albright

Matthew Goode

Albright
In the movie 'Self/less' (2015), Matthew Goode plays the role of Francis, the loyal and somewhat conflicted right-hand man to the protagonist, Damian Hale. His character is deeply involved in the high-stakes world of consciousness transfer that the film explores. This role stands out in Goode's career because it situates him within a science fiction thriller—a departure from many of his earlier, more prominent roles in period dramas and romantic films such as 'A Single Man' and 'Downton Abbey'. His performance in 'Self/less' showcases his versatility as an actor, adept at portraying layered characters caught in moral dilemmas within a futuristic context. Compared to his better-known roles, this film highlights a darker, more suspense-driven character, marking an expansion of his range into the sci-fi genre, which was less prevalent in his portfolio prior to this.
Michelle Dockery as Claire

Michelle Dockery

Claire
Michelle Dockery played the character Anna, a pivotal role in the movie 'Self/less'. Her performance was well-received by critics and audiences alike, praised for its emotional depth and subtlety in portraying a complex relationship dynamic. What made her portrayal unique was her ability to convey vulnerability while maintaining a strong, grounded presence amid the film's sci-fi thriller elements. A lesser-known fact about her involvement is that during filming, Dockery collaborated closely with the director to develop Anna's backstory, which wasn't fully detailed in the script, allowing her to bring authentic nuances to the role that enriched the character's impact on the story.

Crew of Self/less

Full backstage crew list →