Veteran director Sam Raimi has once again collaborated with actress Rachel McAdams for his latest film, Send Help, following their previous partnership in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Raimi’s admiration for McAdams blossomed from a specific scene in their earlier work, which ultimately influenced his decision to cast her in this new project.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Raimi highlighted a pivotal moment from Doctor Strange 2 that showcased McAdams’ remarkable acting ability. The scene involved Doctor Strange attempting to “dreamwalk” into Sinister Strange, leading to a ghostly encounter that put McAdams’ character, Christine Palmer, in peril.
Raimi reflected on the challenges of shooting this sequence, particularly during reshoots. He recalled asking McAdams if she would be comfortable with a ghost attack scenario, to which she responded with enthusiasm, saying, “Okay, what do we do?” This willingness to engage with the material left a lasting impression on Raimi.
“She put so much gusto into it and authenticity that she made the ghost scene work,” Raimi noted. He recognized that while he had talented animators assisting with the visual effects, McAdams’ performance was integral to the scene’s success. This encounter solidified Raimi’s determination to collaborate with her again in the future.
Their latest joint effort, Send Help, features McAdams as an employee in a company’s Planning & Strategy Department who finds herself stranded on an isolated island with her new CEO. The film has already begun screening in theaters, showcasing McAdams’ versatility as an actress.
The partnership between Raimi and McAdams not only highlights their shared creative vision but also emphasizes the power of strong performances in shaping a director’s future projects. As Send Help continues to draw audiences, both Raimi and McAdams are set to leave their mark once more on the cinematic landscape.
