Another bone-chilling horror film titled The Deliverance is out on Netflix, and viewers almost missed the chance to watch Andra Day play the role of Ebony Jackson if the director hadn't helped the actress overcome her fear and doubts.
Yes, you read it right. The Deliverance director Lee Daniels played a crucial role in helping Andra Day not to turn down the leading role. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Day explained that she's a Christian and believed that the demonic themes in the film might conflict with her values.
She was initially doubtful of the role, but thanks to Lee Daniels, whose creative mind and exceptional representation of Black women boosted Andra Day's confidence. The actress said:
"He [Lee Daniels] puts together incredible roles for Black women, fully fleshed out characters, layers. And I just I love working with him; he’s family. So, that was easy."
Working closely with Lee Daniels allowed Andra Day to understand the theme, significance, and goal of making The Deliverance. The director is known for crafting complex and unique characters for Black women, and this played a crucial role while Day was doubtful about her part in the film.
Andra Day talks about Lee Daniels's influence in accepting the role in The Deliverance
Andra Day wants the audience of The Deliverance to "believe and listen to women, particularly with this film, Black women" and understand the depth of each character, especially the struggles of Ebony since the film is based on a true story about a mother and her children who are believed to have been possessed by demons.
However, before Andra Day could make up her mind about playing the role, she was doubtful due to her beliefs and Ebony being an incredibly complex character. The actress thought she might not be able to portray such a difficult character, but representing Black women and Lee Daniels' goal became one of the reasons why she accepted the role.
Day also explained that she was convinced to play Ebony in The Deliverance as it was important to highlight the woman's legacy and let her story be known to everyone. She added:
"It was working very, very closely with Lee, working very closely with Patrick Smith as well, my acting coach."
Day explained that her character is deeper than anyone can think. Ebony wants everything to be good when she's struggling from the inside and is hesitant about expressing her fears.
Andra Day helmed the role, and she did justice to Ebony Jackson, making her an impactful character in the film.
Andra Day was praying while filming for The Deliverance
Since the actress was concerned about the outcome of playing Ebony and filming tough scenes, it was prayers that helped the most. Day told the outlet that:
"I walked into this film with peace from God because I’m not supposed to be afraid of these things, they’re under my foot, and during [filming] and even after, it was just prayer. It sounds really simple, but prayer."
The United States vs. Billie Holiday star did find some scenes difficult to film, but she remained confident and focused on achieving both her own and the director's goal of portraying Ebony Jackson.
Other cast members of the horror film include Glenn Close, Mo'Nique, Caleb McLaughlin, Omar Epps, Aunjanue Ellis, and a few more talented stars.
The Deliverance is available on Netflix.
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