Actor Yann Bean returns to DAMAN to discuss his role in “The Substance,” his approach to complex characters and his evolving creative journey
A longtime friend of DAMAN, Yann Bean returns for another engaging conversation following his recent high-profile project, “The Substance,” where his voice appears alongside Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley and Dennis Quaid. The last time we caught up with the American/French actor was way back in 2023, and since then he has continued to make waves in the industry. In this exclusive Q&A, he discusses his role in “The Substance,” his creative journey and his insights into the evolving world of film.
DAMAN: Hi Yann, great to have you with us again. How have you been?
Yann Bean: Hi! Thanks for having me again—it’s always a pleasure. I’ve been doing great. It’s been an exciting time with “The Substance” getting so much recognition.
DAMAN: Your voice plays quite a pivotal role in “The Substance.” By the way, how did you land the part?
Yann Bean: It was quite an adventure. I initially sent in a voice audition and didn’t hear anything for a while. Then I was told that Coralie [director Coralie Fargeat] really liked what I did and that she’d be making a decision soon. Little did I know it would take months before I got the final confirmation. It was a long wait, but absolutely worth it.
DAMAN: Your role is quite unique—you represent those who produce The Substance. How did you approach this responsibility within the film’s world?
Yann Bean: Well, maybe I do produce The Substance … but maybe I don’t. Maybe I’m just the guy behind the desk answering the phone? After discussing the character with Coralie, I’d say it’s a bit of both. I represent the company that creates The Substance while also serving as their customer service guy. But it’s more than that—I am the product itself. I am The Substance.
DAMAN: The movie has been making waves at festivals, and Demi Moore’s performance has been widely praised. What was it like working on a project with such a strong creative vision? How did Coralie Fargeat’s approach influence your performance?
Yann Bean: It was amazing. Working with people who have a strong creative vision is always the best—you know you’re collaborating with someone who truly knows what they want. Coralie is exactly that. The first time we spoke, she told me she didn’t want me to change the essence of what I’d done in my audition. She had chosen my voice and my interpretation of The Substance for a reason. So, we fine-tuned things and worked on nuances in different scenes. Once we were in the recording studio, she had a crystal-clear vision but also gave me the freedom to explore and create. That balance made the process really special. You should always respect the balance.
DAMAN: The film explores themes of identity and transformation in a unique and unsettling way. What was your interpretation of its message, and how did you embody your role in such a bold narrative?
Yann Bean: Great question. I think we can all relate to both Elizabeth Sparkle and Sue in different ways. And maybe, in a strange way, we can also identify with The Substance itself. The person answering the phone—maybe that’s us. At some point, I even started wondering: could there be other people answering those calls? It could be you; it could be me. Maybe we all share the same voice—the voice of The Substance.
Beyond that, The Substance represents the desire to create a better version of ourselves, but also the danger of losing control in the process. It’s both the antidote and the poison. When someone wants to change, that transformation has to come from within—no one else can truly do it for you. But at the same time, change is unpredictable. It can lead to something incredible or something disastrous. Well, actually—can it ever really go well? I guess we need a sequel to find out.
DAMAN: Looking at your recent projects, how have these roles shaped your perspective on acting and the types of characters you want to portray in the future?
Yann Bean: I’ve been really lucky to play actual characters—not just different versions of myself. Complex characters. I live for that. My role in “The Substance” reinforced my love for characters that exist in a gray area—figures who aren’t entirely good or bad but embody something more complex, something unsettling. I’m drawn to roles that challenge perception.
I’ve always been aware of how much the voice can influence a character, but my recent projects have also really pushed me physically. For one role, I lost about 16 pounds and shaved my head; for another, I had to put on some muscle. Moving forward, I want to keep exploring roles that demand that level of commitment—whether physically or emotionally. The Substance reminded me just how powerful the smallest details can be in storytelling, and I’m truly grateful to everyone who reached out to share how much my voice impacted them throughout the movie.
DAMAN: You balance your career between the U.S. and France. How have these different cultural landscapes influenced your acting style and the opportunities you’ve pursued?
Yann Bean: I’ve always tried to stay true to what I love in art, no matter where I am, but it hasn’t always been easy. I love character work, and in France, character acting isn’t really a thing. Aside from a handful of actors, you just don’t see it much. Some productions even shy away from having actors do a simple accent, as if they’re afraid it might come off as overacted or larger than life. But I don’t think accents necessarily mean a performance will be over the top. When done with nuance and care, they can be incredibly powerful. And honestly, larger than life can be great too—I love going to the movies or the theater to see something that feels heightened.
I’ve been lucky to work with a few directors in France who embrace that approach, but they’re rare. Working with Coralie felt much closer to an American-style process—she’s not afraid of what anyone might think or do, and that’s quite freeing.
DAMAN: The film industry is evolving rapidly, especially with streaming platforms and international collaborations. Have these changes influenced your approach to your career?
Yann Bean: Not really—I’ve just tried to adapt as best as I can. I love traveling, so I’m always open to hopping on a train or plane to get where people need me to be. I love the increasingly global perspective the industry is embracing—it opens up so many more creative opportunities.
DAMAN: Beyond acting, are there other areas of the film industry or creative pursuits you’re exploring?
Yann Bean: Yes! I started producing, and I produced the short film “Tondex 2000,” directed by JB Leonetti. It’s won 30 awards worldwide and will be part of the 9th Fête du Court Métrage in France from March 19–25. It will also be streaming for free on UniversCiné.com during the festival.
DAMAN: Are there any other upcoming projects or roles you’re excited about?
Yann Bean: That’s a tricky one. I’m currently in negotiations for two different projects, but I’d hate to jinx anything—so let’s save that for the next time we catch up. What I can say, however, is that I’m developing a play—I really want to get back on stage.
DAMAN: Lastly, what’s something about you—whether as an actor or just as Yann—that people might be surprised to learn?
Yann Bean: Okay, well, it might not come as a huge surprise with all the voice work I do, but I’m hypersensitive to sound. I can hear details most people don’t even notice, even if they try. It might sound like a superpower. But trust me, it’s not. It can be really annoying.
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