Few performances in the history of cinema have been more committed or extraordinary than Isabelle Adjani's iconic turn in Andrzej Żuławski's 1981 psychological horror film Possession.

Playing a woman going through an especially intense divorce – as well as a döppelganger who works as a school teacher – Adjani's performance is equal parts affecting and deranged, with one particular scene set in the Berlin subway a memorable standout.

It's a brave actor, then, who attempts to take on the same role in a remake – but that's exactly what Margaret Qualley is doing in Smile director Parker's Finn upcoming adaptation of the cult classic.

Filming began on the project last month, and after some on-set images surfaced, Adjani herself took to Instagram to show her support – writing that her "warmest thoughts are with Margaret Qualley, every single day".

And speaking exclusively to Radio Times ahead of her role in Ridley Scott's new film The Dog Stars, Qualley explained that the backing of the French acting legend meant a lot to her.

"I love her so much," she said, which you can watch in the video above. "She's been so sweet. We've just been messaging each other, and I feel like... yeah, she's awesome.

"I've looked up to her for so long, and Possession – her Possession – has been one of my favourite movies ever.

Despite the huge decision to do the role, Qualley added "but it's also like... I'm so excited about it. And she's been just like a guardian angel. So, thank you!"

Qualley will be joined in the cast of the remake by rumoured James Bond hopeful Callum Turner, who will star in the role played in the original by the late Sam Neill.

Meanwhile, there are also roles for Paul Dano, Diego Calva, Madeline Brewer, Emory Cohen and Nicholas Alexander Chavez, although it's not clear what parts they will be playing at this stage.

The film's location has been moved from West Berlin to New Jersey for this version, and it will be interesting to see what other changes Finn has made – we'll be keeping our eyes firmly peeled for more updates.

The Dog Stars is released in UK cinemas on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

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