Screen acting requires performers to shift perspective, emotion, voice and bodily action in ways that may temporarily reduce the salience of their everyday identity. The term role engulfment offers a useful conceptual lens for circumstances in which engagement with a character becomes difficult to regulate or discontinue; however, it is not a clinical diagnosis and should not be treated as an inevitable consequence of immersive acting. This integrative narrative review synthesized sociological role theory, empirical research on acting, cognitive neuroscience and professional safety guidance to clarify the boundary between adaptive character immersion and psychologically risky role carryover. Current evidence indicates that acting may involve transient attenuation of self-referential processing, as well as absorption, flow, empathy and perspective taking. These processes can support performance and are not inherently pathological. Risk appears more likely when emotionally demanding material is combined with autobiographical exposure, weak consent, power imbalance, precarious work, insufficient recovery and limited access to support. A stage-based framework is proposed for actor education and screen production: informed preparation and role-risk assessment; maintenance of dual awareness and choreographed boundaries during performance; structured de-roling and recovery; and clear pathways for consultation or clinical referral. Acting programs should teach entry into character and exit from character as equally important professional competencies. The available evidence remains limited and heterogeneous, and prospective actor-specific studies are needed to test the effectiveness of de-roling and other psychological safety practices.