In a candid admission, filmmaker Sam Raimi has expressed regret over the limited use of Rachel McAdams’ talents in the 2022 Marvel blockbuster, *Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness*. The director, who had previously collaborated with the Oscar-nominated actress in the film, revealed his desire to work with her more extensively in the future during an interview with *Total Film*.
A Promising Collaboration
Raimi’s remarks came as he discussed their latest project, *Send Help*, where McAdams takes on a more prominent role. “First, she was the perfect person because she’s such a brilliant actress,” he noted. Reflecting on their previous collaboration, he admitted, “I saw how talented she was and actually underutilised,” which spurred his commitment to bring her back into the fold for future projects.
In *Doctor Strange*, McAdams portrayed Christine Palmer, a role she first embodied in the 2016 original. Her character, an ex-girlfriend of the titular sorcerer played by Benedict Cumberbatch, had a limited presence in the sequel, prompting Raimi’s reassessment of her capabilities.
From Superhero to Survival Horror
In *Send Help*, McAdams takes on the character of Linda, a woman who finds herself stranded on an isolated island following a plane mishap. The film, which also features Dylan O’Brien, showcases a different side of McAdams, allowing her to explore a broader range of emotions and comedic nuances. Critics have lauded her performance, with *The Independent*’s Clarisse Loughrey praising her ability to evoke deep empathy and tension throughout the narrative.
“McAdams delivers broad comedic strokes with such forceful humanity that she’s able to play her own tricks on the audience’s sympathies,” Loughrey remarked in her four-star review, highlighting McAdams’ skill in balancing humour with suspense.
A Surprising Transformation
Raimi further elaborated on McAdams’ versatility, noting that her portrayal of a “dark, terrible villain” in *Send Help* marks a significant departure from her previous roles. This unexpected transformation aims to keep audiences guessing, as he explained, “They don’t know what’s right around the corner… that was an important factor, that she, this good person that we know and love, becomes this terrible villain.”
This shift not only broadens McAdams’ acting repertoire but also provides a fresh perspective on her capabilities as a performer, offering fans a captivating duality within her character.
Why it Matters
Raimi’s recognition of McAdams’ underutilisation in the Marvel universe sheds light on a broader issue within the film industry: the need for more substantial roles for talented actresses in major franchises. As audiences increasingly demand diverse and complex characters, the industry must adapt by fully recognising and harnessing the skills of performers like McAdams. Her evolution from a supporting role to leading lady exemplifies the potential for richer storytelling, underscoring the importance of allowing actors the opportunity to shine in varied and challenging roles.
