From Rom-Com Queen to Horror Survivor: Rachel McAdams' Dark Transformation in 'Send Help'
What begins as a familiar premise – Rachel McAdams stranded on a deserted island with co-star Dylan O'Brien – takes a terrifying turn under the visionary direction of horror maestro Sam Raimi. In an exclusive conversation, producer Zainab Azizi unveils the delicious twist that transforms this potential romance into a gripping tale of survival, rage, and horror.
Casting America's Sweetheart in Her Darkest Role Yet
When we were developing the character of Linda Liddle, we wanted someone who was America's sweetheart, someone so sweet and endearing that you would just fall in love with them, Azizi explains. Rachel McAdams, celebrated for her iconic romantic comedy roles, embodies these qualities perfectly. What was so exciting was that we've never seen her do a dark role like this before, Azizi adds, highlighting the compelling contrast that makes McAdams' casting so groundbreaking.
The project also marks a wonderful reunion for McAdams and Raimi, who previously collaborated on Doctor Strange. Azizi emphasizes that this familiarity helped shape a unique creative synergy from the very beginning of production.
The Relatable Horror of Linda Liddle's Struggle
Azizi reveals she was involved from the inception, drawn to the script by writers Mark Swift and Damien Shannon. This idea of Linda Little – a female executive who is overworked and undervalued, a big Survivor fan who gets stranded on a deserted island with her terrible boss – I thought that was so juicy, she shares. The character's feelings of being overlooked resonate deeply, making her journey profoundly relatable to modern audiences.
As a female producer in Hollywood, Azizi personally connects with these themes. Being a female producer is a challenge in itself. You have to work harder, she acknowledges, while also noting positive shifts: I do see the industry changing, and I'm so happy to see more and more female producers. It's very inspiring.
Sam Raimi's Masterful Handling of Female Rage
Director Sam Raimi brings his signature blend of horror, humor, and gore to Send Help, with a particular focus on female rage. He loves rooting for the underdog, Azizi notes, explaining that Raimi was attached as director from the start. From the very beginning of developing her character, he understood that we wanted to be very mindful and respectful of a female anti-hero. This collaborative approach ensured Linda Liddle's transformation was both powerful and authentic.
The Power of a Two-Person Narrative
In an era dominated by ensemble casts, Send Help stands out with its intense focus on just two characters. Azizi praises the script as a brilliant character study, where the island itself was a character, with the creatures and the fear of the unknown. She credits McAdams and O'Brien for bringing such depth to their roles that you never get tired of seeing both of them on the screen throughout the nearly two-hour runtime.
Bollywood Inspirations and Future Crossover Dreams
Azizi's creative vision is deeply influenced by her childhood exposure to Hindi cinema. I'm a huge fan of Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aishwarya Rai, she confesses. Her admiration extends to a close friendship with Bollywood icon Preity Zinta, with whom she is actively developing a Bollywood-Hollywood crossover project.
I've always wanted to produce a film in India and with Preity Zinta. We are working very closely to find a Bollywood-Hollywood crossover, Azizi reveals enthusiastically. When asked about reuniting Zinta with Hrithik Roshan for a potential Krrish 4, she responds with genuine excitement: I would love that. Please, let's make it happen.
This blend of Hollywood horror and Bollywood passion underscores Azizi's unique position as a producer bridging cinematic worlds, making Send Help a highly anticipated film that promises to redefine genre boundaries.
