Jessica Chastain reaches new heights in The Martian

Jessica Chastain is a pro at wirework.

The actress is reunited with her Interstellar co-star Matt Damon in the upcoming sci-fi flick, which sees astronaut Mark Watney (Damon) stranded on Mars after he's presumed dead by his crew.

Ridley Scott helms the feature and the director is known for his larger-than-life sets; an aspect Jessica got to enjoy during filming.

"It's pretty spectacular. There are some really incredible scenes. I don't want to give anything away but I will say I'm not afraid of heights, thank goodness. I've never been hoisted up so high! Swinging around," she laughed to Total Film. "It was so fun. I used to be a dancer when I was younger, and I love doing any role where I get to use my body in a different way. I love wirework. I had so much fun doing it. It's very tricky..."

The feature is based on the 2011 same-titled novel by Andy Weir, with Ridley and scriptwriter Drew Goddard staying as true to the original tale as possible.

Ridley is aware of the rumours surrounding his work ethic, but that doesn't stop him from bringing his visions to life in the way he sees suitable. After directing blockbusters such as Gladiator and Prometheus, he was more than happy to get stuck in this time.

"I do like working with actors, contrary to the gossip, and I get on really well with them. But I also love design and I love sets, and I love the opportunities in science-fiction to spread your wings and experiment," he explained. "The key is to make a tight rulebook, otherwise it just becomes bulls**t. I think the actors prefer it."