Meet Amber Heard and Brie Larson, Two Superhero Actresses
If you’re a fan of superheroes, you’ve probably heard of Amber Heard and Brie Larson. Heard is popular for playing Mera in the DC Universe, whereas Larson is well-known as Captain Marvel in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. But did you know they once vied for the same role?
Amber Heard’s Turn in Drive Angry
Back in 2011, a movie called Drive Angry rolled out. It was an action-packed thriller, with Heard sharing the screen with Nicolas Cage. Heard played Piper, a tough waitress who helps Cage’s character, Milton, rescue his granddaughter from a nasty cult. What you might not know is that Larson also tried to bag this role. Yes, it’s true! But it was Heard’s portrayal of Piper that won over the filmmakers.
How Amber Heard Upstaged Brie Larson
Larson has even discussed auditioning for Drive Angry on her YouTube channel. Although she did not specify which role she tried out for, it’s safe to guess she auditioned for Piper – the same role that Heard actually got. While Larson missed out on Drive Angry, she hit the jackpot later with Captain Marvel. In a way, the rejection turned out to be a stepping stone for both actresses who went on to become superstars in their own rights.
Drive Angry: A Film With Loaded Potential
Drive Angry promised a lot on paper. It blended supernatural elements, revenge drama, and action. But despite great performances from Heard and Cage, the movie didn’t do well at the box office.
Underperforming at the Box Office
Here’s a fun fact: Drive Angry earned the undesirable record of having the lowest opening weekend earnings for a 3D film in the USA. Instead of expected $5 million earnings, it only brought in a measly $1.6 million in its opening weekend. With a global gross of $41 million, it failed to cover its production cost estimated between $45-$50 million. Maybe the heavy use of 3D elements wasn’t much appreciated by audiences.
Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining!
Drive Angry, however, turned out to be a launching pad for Amber Heard. After the film, she became a well-recognized face, especially for her role as Mera. Brie Larson, on the other hand, despite facing rejection for Drive Angry, went on to make big strides in the superhero world as Captain Marvel.
Life in Hollywood is full of ups and downs, but here’s a comforting thought: every cloud has a silver lining. For Amber Heard and Brie Larson, their journey to stardom proves this old saying. Drive Angry might not have been a hit at the box office, but it paved the way for two hugely successful career paths in the superhero world.
Final Thoughts
It’s quite interesting how things turned out for both actresses, isn’t it? If you’ve seen Heard as Mera and Larson as Captain Marvel, try picturing them flipped. Doesn’t seem quite right, does it? At the end of the day, it seems everything happens for a reason, even in Hollywood.
You can stream Drive Angry on Apple TV today and check out Heard’s breakthrough performance for yourself. Keep an eye on our website for more fun Hollywood trivia!
For more details, visit Project Casting Blog on https://www.projectcasting.com/blog/news/amber-heard-overcame-avengers-star-for-drive-angry-role/