Get ready to be thrilled, because the first images from Sam Raimi’s highly anticipated horror thriller, Send Help, have finally dropped—and they’re already sparking excitement! Starring Rachel McAdams and Dylan O’Brien, this film marks Raimi’s return to the genre after his blockbuster success with Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this island-set survival story a fresh take on horror, or just another twist on a well-worn trope? Let’s dive in.
Last October, news broke that McAdams was in talks to reunite with Raimi on this 20th Century Studios project, which he’s both producing and directing. She was soon joined by a stellar cast, including Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner), Chris Pang (Interior Chinatown), and Dennis Haysbert (24). With filming kicking off in February, the movie is on track for a January 30, 2026, theatrical release. The first images, courtesy of Entertainment Weekly, offer a tantalizing glimpse into what promises to be a gripping tale. Check them out at the bottom of this article (https://ew.com/send-help-first-look-rachel-mcadams-dylan-obrien-sam-raimi-exclusive-11828562).
Raimi’s journey to Send Help hasn’t been without its twists and turns. Back in 2007, rumors swirled that he’d produce a fantasy film penned by Freddy vs. Jason writers Damian Shannon and Mark Swift. That project fizzled, but the trio’s collaboration persisted. A decade later, Raimi considered directing a Bermuda Triangle project with Shannon and Swift, only to drop it—leaving the door open for Scott Derrickson and later Marc Webb (https://www.joblo.com/bermuda-triangle-movie-marc-webb/). In 2019, Raimi announced an untitled island horror thriller with Shannon and Swift, but the pandemic sidelined it. Fast forward to now, and Send Help is finally taking shape, with A Quiet Place writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods stepping in to rewrite the script. And this is the part most people miss: Raimi’s history with Shannon and Swift dates back years, making this project a long-awaited reunion.
Described as a blend of Misery and Cast Away, Send Help is a survival horror thriller about two colleagues stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. Forced to confront their past grievances, they must work together to survive—but it’s ultimately a battle of wills. Film scooper Daniel Richtman (https://www.patreon.com/posts/send-help-92025125) revealed a logline that adds a comedic twist: a put-upon employee (McAdams) and her misogynistic boss (O’Brien) crash-land on an island, where her survival skills become his only hope. Bold claim alert: Could this dynamic flip the script on traditional power structures in horror? Raimi thinks so.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Raimi shared his passion for the project: ‘I was drawn to the complexity of Linda and Bradley—two characters constantly at odds, yet deeply human. The pitch was outrageous and original, tracking their power struggle as it shifts dramatically. It’s an underdog tale, a story of female empowerment, and a call for kindness and respect.’ Thought-provoking question: Does Send Help have the potential to redefine survival horror, or is it just another genre mashup? Let us know in the comments.
With Raimi at the helm and a talented cast bringing this story to life, Send Help is shaping up to be a must-watch. Are you ready to see McAdams and O’Brien in this unexpected pairing? Take a look at the first images and share your thoughts below. Final hook: Will this film soar to new heights, or crash and burn on the island of audience expectations? Only time will tell.
