Margaret Qualley Returns to Work on Movie Set Following Split from Jack Antonoff

Just two weeks after news of her separation from husband Jack Antonoff made headlines, Margaret Qualley is back doing what she does best: acting.

The 31-year-old actress was spotted on Wednesday, July 22, filming her upcoming horror film Possession in New Jersey. The sighting marks the first time Qualley has been photographed publicly since PEOPLE confirmed on July 8 that she and the Grammy-winning Bleachers frontman had split after nearly three years of marriage.

Dressed in an all-black ensemble consisting of a long-sleeved top, knee-length skirt, and leggings, Qualley was captured in full character mode, running and screaming dramatically on a street corner. The set photos showcase the intensity required for her leading role in the Paramount Pictures remake of the 1981 cult horror classic, originally made famous by Isabelle Adjani's legendary performance.

The film, written and directed by Parker Finn (known for the Smile franchise), co-stars Callum Turner and Paul Dano. For Qualley, who earned widespread acclaim for her performance in The Substance, stepping into such an iconic role represents both a challenge and an opportunity to further cement her status as one of Hollywood's most versatile young talents.

Navigating Personal Change

The New Jersey set photos come at a significant moment in Qualley's personal life. On July 8, a source confirmed to PEOPLE that the actress and Antonoff, 42, are "figuring things out" following their separation. The couple, who first sparked romance rumors in August 2021 and went public with their relationship in early 2022, became engaged just months later in May 2022. Their star-studded wedding took place in August 2023 in New Jersey.

Despite the personal upheaval, those close to Qualley emphasize her resilience and professional dedication. "Qualley is 'the happiest when she's working,'" a source told PEOPLE on July 13. "Right now, she's just looking ahead and focusing on what's next. She's spent years building her career, and she's excited to keep doing what she loves."

Another insider offered a more nuanced perspective on the split, suggesting the pair are handling the transition with grace. "They love each other deeply and are very sweet to each other. They are going through this process with nothing but kindness and unity," the source shared.

A Busy Schedule Ahead

For Qualley, work appears to be the perfect outlet during this period of transition. Possession is just one of several high-profile projects on her horizon. Later this year, she will star in The Dog Stars, scheduled for theatrical release on August 28, followed by Love of Your Life, which hits select theaters on October 7 and arrives on Prime Video on October 14. Additionally, she has King Snake in the pipeline, ensuring that audiences will be seeing plenty of the actress in the months to come.

The daughter of actress Andie MacDowell and model Paul Qualley, Margaret has steadily built a reputation for taking on challenging and unconventional roles. From her breakout performances in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and Maid to her more recent critically acclaimed work, she has proven herself to be an actress unafraid of complexity.

Looking Forward

While fans may be saddened by the news of her separation from Antonoff, Qualley's swift return to work demonstrates her commitment to her craft and her ability to channel personal experiences into powerful performances. The sight of her running through the streets of New Jersey, fully immersed in her character, is a reminder that for artists like Qualley, the show must indeed go on.

As she navigates this new chapter, both personally and professionally, one thing remains certain: Margaret Qualley is just getting started. With a slate of exciting projects and an unshakable work ethic, she continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.