Key Takeaways
Olivia Cooke says she was “intimidated” by Steven Spielberg’s genius while filming Ready Player One.
The actress was fascinated by Spielberg’s ability to direct, edit, and develop sequences at the same time.
Cooke said Spielberg was working across both the real-world and simulation-world elements of the film.
The House of the Dragon star also recalled early audition experiences in Los Angeles.
Cooke said she struggles with the celebrity side of acting and prefers focusing on storytelling.
Olivia Cooke Reflects on Working With Steven Spielberg
Olivia Cooke has opened up about what it was like to work with one of Hollywood’s most legendary filmmakers.
The 32-year-old actress starred as Samantha Cook, also known as Art3mis, in Steven Spielberg’s 2018 sci-fi action film Ready Player One. While the experience gave Cooke a front-row seat to Spielberg’s filmmaking process, she admitted it was also intimidating.
Speaking with The Telegraph, Cooke described Spielberg as a “genius” and said watching him work was one of the most memorable parts of the production.
Inside Spielberg’s Fast-Paced Creative Process
According to Cooke, Spielberg’s ability to focus on multiple parts of a film at once left a lasting impression.
She recalled how the director would move between filming scenes on set and editing another project nearby.
“Watching how his mind worked. He’s a genius,” Cooke said.
The actress explained that Spielberg had an editing suite set up beside the set, allowing him to work on post-production between filming setups. He would step away to edit, then return to direct the actors.
For Cooke, the speed and precision of Spielberg’s workflow was difficult to fully understand.
Why Ready Player One Felt Like Two Movies at Once
Cooke said Ready Player One presented a unique challenge because Spielberg was effectively managing two different visual worlds.
The film moves between the real world and the virtual simulation known as the OASIS. That meant Spielberg had to coordinate live-action performances, motion-capture sequences, visual effects, and real-world reactions all at the same time.
Cooke said he would create new sequences on the spot for the actors to improvise while wearing motion-capture suits.
At the same time, Spielberg was figuring out how those moments would connect with real-life reaction shots that had already been filmed.
“I thought, I don’t understand how you do this,” Cooke said. “He was intimidating because he’s such a genius, but he was also so lovely.”
Olivia Cooke Recalls Competitive Auditions in Los Angeles
Cooke also reflected on her early years auditioning in Los Angeles and the intense competition young actors often face.
The House of the Dragon star said that when she was around 18, 19, or 20, she frequently auditioned for projects in Los Angeles. During that period, she repeatedly found herself competing against the same actress.
Cooke did not name the actress, but said the experience became memorable because of how theatrical the other performer would be in the waiting room.
According to Cooke, the actress would stare at her, do yoga stretches on the floor, and dramatically read her lines in an apparent attempt to psych her out.
The Pressure Behind Building an Acting Career
Cooke’s comments also highlight a reality many working actors understand: the job does not end when the camera stops rolling.
Auditions, press tours, public image, and industry expectations can all shape an actor’s career. For performers trying to build long-term success, Cooke’s perspective is a reminder that talent and craft still matter, even in an industry increasingly influenced by visibility and celebrity culture.
The actress also pointed to the scrutiny placed on women in entertainment, including conversations around bodies, aging, and sex appeal. For Cooke, that attention can distract from the real purpose of the work: telling a story and making a film audiences can connect with.
What Actors Can Learn From Olivia Cooke’s Hollywood Experience
Cooke’s reflections offer a useful lesson for actors navigating a competitive and highly public industry.
Her audition stories show how intense the casting process can feel, especially for young performers trying to break through in Los Angeles. But they also show the importance of staying grounded, focused, and prepared, even when the environment around you feels intimidating.
Her comments about celebrity culture are equally revealing. Cooke has made it clear that she does not want fame to become the focus of her career. Instead, she wants the work to speak for itself.
For actors, that mindset can be powerful. The industry may reward visibility, but lasting careers are often built on consistency, professionalism, and a clear commitment to the craft.
The Bottom Line
Olivia Cooke may have felt intimidated by Steven Spielberg’s genius on Ready Player One, but the experience gave her a deeper appreciation for what masterful filmmaking looks like up close.
From Spielberg’s ability to manage multiple creative demands at once to Cooke’s reflections on auditions and fame, her comments offer a candid look at the challenges and lessons that come with building a career in Hollywood.
For actors, her story is especially relatable: the industry can be competitive, public, and unpredictable, but Cooke’s focus remains on what matters most — telling a great story.
