Amber Heard is known for portraying the iconic Mera role in the DC Extended Universe. While she got infamous attention due to her personal issues in a few years, her journey to stardom included several notable roles, one particular included her work with Nicolas Cage.
The project in context is Drive Angry, a 2011 action project. One of the interesting facts about this movie involved Heard securing this role over an actress from the blockbuster Avengers: Endgame movie. The actress is none other than Brie Larson, who portrays the role of Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel in the MCU.
Amber Heard Secured the Drive Angry Role Over Avengers: Endgame Actress Brie Larson
Released in 2011, Drive Angry features acclaimed actor Nicolas Cage as Milton, a vengeful father who escapes from Hell to save his granddaughter from a cult. As for his co-star, Amber Heard, she plays Piper, a tough waitress who teams up with Milton on his quest.
Given that Heard’s role was significant in the film, it would be surprising for many that Avengers: Endgame actress, Brie Larson also auditioned for the movie.
During a segment of her own YouTube channel, she talked about the movies she auditioned for, listing the 2011 movie as one of them. Although, she did not reflect on the role she auditioned for at the time, it was most likely for Piper. Despite the competition, Heard impressed the filmmakers with her ability to embody her character’s spirit.
The action project marked a significant milestone in the actress’s career which showcased her capability of handling demanding action roles. However, Larson’s defeat to bag the female lead role in the 2011 film seemingly became a blessing in disguise as it attained an unwanted record.
Nicolas Cage’s Drive Angry Made an Unwanted Record
Directed by Patrick Lussier, the 2011 movie combines elements of supernatural horror, action, and revenge drama, providing over-the-top cinematic experience. However, the movie struggled to find its footing despite the star power combined of Heard and the Ghost Rider actor.
While the movie was expected to perform well at the box office thanks to its unique concept and 3D elements, it unfortunately made its place by cementing an unwanted box-office record.
It became the lowest-grossing opening weekend for a 3D film released in the United States. For the unversed, it opened at the ninth place within the box office rankings at $1.6 million via Deadline which was way lower than the expected $5 million weekend.
Although, the lower box office figures were not surprising as the movie received mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. Even the movie’s usage of 3D elements backfired as many deemed it as more of a gimmick rather than just an extension to enhance the viewing experience.
It eventually ended up disappointing everyone be it critically or commercially. With an estimated production budget of $45-$50 million as per LA Times, it was only able to manage to gross over $41 million worldwide via the Numbers, marking it as a failure.
Drive Angry is available to stream by renting or purchasing on Apple TV.
