Rosamund Pike, the acclaimed British actress renowned for her roles in films like “Gone Girl,” has taken a frank look back at her experience in what she terms “probably one of the worst films ever made”– the 2005 adaptation of the video game “Doom.” The actress recounted her memories during a recent appearance on the podcast “How to Fail” with Elizabeth Day, where she reflected on her career and the impact this project had on her trajectory as an actress.
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“Doom,” a film based on the progressive first-person shooter video game that captivated players in the 1990s, was widely panned by critics and audiences alike. As it turns out, the movie’s lack of success has lingered in Pike’s memory. At the time of filming, she was only three years removed from her breakout role in the James Bond film “Die Another Day,” which she initially thought was the start of a promising career.
Recounting her excitement at being chosen for such a high-profile project, Pike remarked, “It was a promising start — I was picked to be in the biggest action franchise of all time.” However, this enthusiasm soon gave way to feelings of inadequacy. She recalled a moment when her idyllic experience filming “Pride & Prejudice” was interrupted by the call to join an action film that just required a different skill set and persona.
Originally, the lead role was slated for British actor Ray Winstone, but that changed when Dwayne Johnson, then relatively early in his acting career, was cast instead. Pike began to feel out of her depth, particularly when she experienced the stark contrast between herself and Johnson, who was already establishing himself as a formidable action star, or “The Rock.” “I realized how utterly ill-equipped I am to be an action star,” she admitted, highlighting the pressures and expectations involved in the role.
She described her encounters on set, where the atmosphere often revolved around Johnson’s physical prowess and his entourage. “Every time a gun was brought out, it was kind of like a holy relic for the ‘Doom’ fans,” she recounted. It soon became clear to her that she was in unfamiliar territory, realising that the film was turning into “an absolute bomb.”
Pike reflected that her experience with “Doom” could have severely impacted her career. “I mean, I probably could have ended my career,” she confessed, expressing her belief that the film was ultimately a catastrophe. While she does not actively seek out reviews, she recognised a prevailing sentiment among viewers that implied she was fortunate to have survived the ordeal.
Despite its abysmal reception and disappointing box office performance, both Pike’s career and Johnson’s have flourished in the years since. Pike noted that this troubled experience led her to seriously consider the types of roles she wished to pursue. “I didn’t know enough about video games. I wasn’t the right kind of girl to be in that,” she said, highlighting her discomfort with being cast in a film that leaned heavily on the traditional sex symbol trope.
In fact, Pike expressed that she felt inadequate, worrying that her appearance contributed to the film’s failure. “If loads of guys say ‘That film is rubbish,’ you’re part of it to play your character, but also kind of look hot,” she described, acknowledging an aspect of the industry that pressures actresses to conform to certain physical standards.
A significant point she raised was the absence of guidance at the time. Unlike today, actresses might have access to personal trainers and support to help them prepare for such demanding roles. “Nobody helped me, nobody said,” she remarked, indicating how expectations have evolved in the film industry over the past two decades.
When asked by Day if she would be interested in playing an action hero today, Pike responded with a touch of humour, “No, but if I’m going to be one, I want to bloody succeed at it.” This statement encapsulated both her growth as an actress and a woman who has weathered the ups and downs of an often unforgiving industry.
In revisiting the experience of “Doom,” Rosamund Pike not only reflects on a pivotal moment in her career, but she also highlights the changing landscape of Hollywood and the evolution of the roles available to women in action films. Her journey serves as a testament to resilience in the arts, illustrating how initial setbacks can lead to meaningful personal growth and professional evolution.