Adam Driver is a multifaceted actor whose diverse early roles in films like Frances Ha and Inside Llewyn Davis gained him recognition, alongside his performance in the acclaimed HBO series Girls. His impressive filmography continues to expand, featuring a wide range of genres from lauded dramas to high-octane blockbusters. Driver’s collaborations include esteemed directors such as Clint Eastwood, Martin Scorsese, and Ridley Scott. Notably, he received back-to-back Academy Award nominations in 2018 and 2019 for his outstanding performances in BlacKkKlansman and Marriage Story, directed by Spike Lee and Noah Baumbach, respectively.
Beyond his celebrated dramatic roles, Driver also embraces genre films. One of his most recognized performances is as Kylo Ren in the Star Wars franchise, where he portrayed a complex antagonist until the character’s demise in 2019’s The Rise of Skywalker. His involvement in genres stretches further with notable films such as Midnight Special and 65, where he delivered a compelling performance as an astronaut crash-landed on prehistoric Earth. Most recently, Driver starred in Megalopolis, directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, although the film has experienced lackluster critical and commercial reception.
Rising Popularity of The Dead Don’t Die on Streaming Platforms
New Streaming Debut on Netflix
In 2019, Driver took on the role of Ronnie Peterson, a police officer fighting a zombie invasion in The Dead Don’t Die. This unique blend of comedy and horror, directed by Jim Jarmusch—renowned for films like Mystery Train and Only Lovers Left Alive—follows the chaos in the small town of Centerville as the undead rise. Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Bill Murray, Chloë Sevigny, Steve Buscemi, and Tilda Swinton, the film has garnered mixed reviews, currently holding a 54% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, a disappointing verdict given its prestigious lineup.
Recently premiered on Netflix, The Dead Don’t Die is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. The film is now positioned as the third most-watched title on Netflix’s Top 10 U.S. Movies list, trailing behind the recent releases Carry-On and the war drama The Six Triple Eight.
This marks Driver’s second collaboration with Jarmusch, following his performance in Paterson. The actor is also set to star in the upcoming project titled Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.
Analyzing the Streaming Success of The Dead Don’t Die
Potential for Broader Audience Appeal
Interestingly, upon its initial release, The Dead Don’t Die went largely unnoticed, amassing only $15.3 million at the global box office. It’s perplexing how an unfavorable Rotten Tomatoes rating could deter audiences from viewing a film featuring a star-studded cast such as Driver, Murray, and Gomez. However, with its newfound popularity on streaming platforms, the movie stands a chance to reach a wider audience and gain the recognition it deserves as a distinctive work within the vibrant zombie genre.
Source: Netflix
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