INTERVIEW: Gabriel Luna Talks ‘The Astronaut,’ Jess Varley’s Vision, And Returning To ‘The Last Of Us’

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Jess Varley makes her directorial debut with The Astronaut, a haunting psychological sci-fi drama that follows astronaut Sam Walker (Kate Mara) after she crash-lands back on Earth following a mysterious space mission. While in quarantine for recovery and evaluation, Sam begins to experience unsettling phenomena that blur the line between reality and hallucination. Gabriel Luna stars as Sam’s estranged yet deeply supportive husband, whose empathy and unwavering belief in her become the emotional core of the story.

I spoke with Luna about joining the project, exploring love and trust in the face of fear, and what fans can expect as he returns to The Last of Us for season three.

So, how did you get involved in this project?

Gabriel Luna: This film came together when my team told me that Jess [Varley] wanted to talk to me. We had lunch and talked about the film. I expressed everything I loved about it - that it’s a new kind of take on what it means to be afraid, and how sometimes that fear is misguided. I also loved the family elements and the adoption themes that run throughout - loving something different, something that isn’t of you or your family. That meeting with Jess really sealed the deal. And we got to go to Ireland, which sounded really nice.

Your character is a husband who’s been left behind because of his wife’s obsession with space. When he finally learns the truth about her, he isn’t terrified — he’s rather supportive and loving. How did you approach playing that empathy in the middle of such a terrifying situation?

Gabriel Luna: I loved that part of his character, who he is. Early in the film, you see that they’re drifting apart. Her ambition, her skill, and how hardworking she is - everything she’s worked for - has positioned her to reach the pinnacle of her profession, what they’re all hoping and striving for.

When they finally come together and everything goes sideways, you start to see that there’s something else, something otherworldly, that they have to contend with. He isn’t fearful. I don’t think he fully understands or is able to completely accept it in the moment, but he doesn’t shut her out. He believes in her. Through that love for Sam, you see it come back: the love, the trust, the reason they love each other and have this child together.

It’s really great to see that, because oftentimes in these films, the characters are just cast aside as crazy. But to see that kind of trust and love lend itself toward belief, that was comforting. I think that’s what carries you through to the end of the film. In that last act, there’s a lot of their history. There’s always been something about Sam that was just extraordinary. I think that’s why it’s easier for him to accept some of the events in that last act.

Jess brings both sensitivity and suspense to her storytelling. What was it like being directed by Jess on this project?

Gabriel Luna: Jess was great. No one knew that story better than she did, and that gave us all confidence. We could come together every day and trust her completely. They got to have a lot of fun - going out on the Irish Sea in zodiacs and such - but for the most part, all my scenes were shot in that house and the surrounding area. We also filmed at this really cool science center for kids that we turned into a NASA facility. The underground, subterranean parts of the house were shot there too.

It was great. Jess was very understanding, she knew the story so well, and she was a great leader.

Speaking of horror and kids, fans are excited about The Last of Us season 3. I think it’s filming in April. How does it feel heading back to that world?

Gabriel Luna: I’m trying to grow my hair and mustache back as fast as I can! I’m excited. Fans of the game will know there are some really great new characters we’re going to meet. We’ll discover much more about the ones we already know — some we may have preconceived notions about or harbor certain ill will toward. But through the way we tell this story, I think fans will come to have some very conflicting feelings about how they view these people. I’m speaking in generalities, but I think it’s going to be special. We’re all really excited to get back to work.

The Astronaut is now available on digital platforms.