Deepwater Horizon: The Cast That Brought the Disaster to Life

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In August 2014, Mark Wahlberg was cast as Mike Williams, a real-life electronics technician on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig.

Gina Rodriguez was cast as Andrea Fleytas, a woman on the bridge on board the Deepwater Horizon at the time of the blowout who frantically tried to contact the Coast Guard.

Actors Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Kurt Russell, and Gina Rodriguez onstage during the intro at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival Premiere of "Deepwater Horizon"Actors Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson, Kurt Russell, and Gina Rodriguez onstage during the intro at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival Premiere of “Deepwater Horizon” at Roy Thomson Hall on September 13, 2016 in Toronto, Canada (Credit: Dara Kushner / INFphoto)

When Mark Wahlberg was approached by the producers of “Deepwater Horizon” to play the older male lead, he was surprised.

He had expected to be cast as the younger lead, and he even started reaching out to older actors like Jack Nicholson to play opposite him.

Mark Wahlberg poses with real-life Deepwater Horizon survivor Mike Williams and director Peter Berg at the European Premiere of "Deepwater Horizon"Mark Wahlberg poses with real-life Deepwater Horizon survivor Mike Williams and director Peter Berg at the European Premiere of “Deepwater Horizon” at Cineworld Leicester Square on September 26, 2016, in London, England (Credit: Ian West / PA Images / Startraksphoto)

However, the producers were confident that Wahlberg could bring the right mix of experience and authenticity to the role of Mike Williams, the real-life electronics technician who survived the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion.

During the premiere of “Deepwater Horizon,” a 2016 American biographical disaster film that took place on September 13, 2016, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Gina Rodriguez was 32 years old, Mark Wahlberg was 45 years old, Dylan O’Brien was 25 years old, and Kurt Russell was 65 years old.

Deepwater Horizon was Dylan O'Brien and Mark Wahlberg's first collaboration together, and they'd go on to co-star in the 2021 American science fiction action film InfiniteDeepwater Horizon was Dylan O’Brien and Mark Wahlberg’s first collaboration together, and they’d go on to co-star in the 2021 American science fiction action film Infinite (Credit: Lionsgate)

Dylan O’Brien was cast as Caleb Holloway, and Kurt Russell joined the film as Jimmy Harrell, the rig’s captain. John Malkovich was cast as Donald Vidrine, a BP representative who fatally underestimated the dangers of working on the rig.

Kate Hudson was cast as Felicia Williams, Mike’s wife, marking her first on-screen pairing with her stepfather, Kurt Russell, although they shared no dialogue in the film. Emma Stone and Kristen Stewart both refused roles in the movie.

Gina Rodriguez Stuns in Cleavage-Baring Gown at Toronto Film Festival

Gina Rodriguez captured everyone's attention as she sauntered down the red carpet donning a captivating Badgley Mischka Spring 2016 ensembleGina Rodriguez captured everyone’s attention as she sauntered down the red carpet donning a captivating Badgley Mischka Spring 2016 ensemble (Credit: Jaime Espinoza / WENN)

In September 2016, Gina Rodriguez arrived at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival for the Toronto premiere of the 2016 American biographical disaster film Deepwater Horizon.

Gina Rodriguez's black and grey floral embroidered ruffled split gown featured a v-neck design, elevated by an alluring black tulle tie waist and an elegant white underliningGina Rodriguez’s black and grey floral embroidered ruffled split gown featured a v-neck design, elevated by an alluring black tulle tie waist and an elegant white underlining (Credit: Jaime Espinoza / WENN)

The then-32-year-old actress turned heads in a cleavage-bearing, plunging neckline floral laser cut gown overflowing with whimsy.

Gina Rodriguez captivating all eyes in a remarkable Badgley Mischka gown complemented by exquisite Chopard jewelsGina Rodriguez captivating all eyes in a remarkable Badgley Mischka gown complemented by exquisite Chopard jewels

Gina’s stunning dress is from the Badgley Mischka Spring 2016 Couture collection.

Gina Rodriguez's hair, artfully pinned up, and the finishing touch of pink glossy lips added a final flourish, encapsulating her look with an air of sophistication and allureGina Rodriguez’s hair, artfully pinned up, and the finishing touch of pink glossy lips added a final flourish, encapsulating her look with an air of sophistication and allure

The piece has a sheer floral lace overlay that cascades down on one side. Gina wore her dress cinched at the waist with a black tulle belt.

Gina Rodriguez exudes the ethereal charm of a blossoming garden in this flowing gown at the 2016 Toronto International Film FestivalGina Rodriguez exudes the ethereal charm of a blossoming garden in this flowing gown at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of “Deepwater Horizon” in Toronto, Canada on September 13, 2016

This was a fantastic choice of gown for the actress, and we love how feminine she looked in it.

Gina Rodriguez poses with Kate Hudson at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of "Deepwater Horizon" Gina Rodriguez poses with Kate Hudson at the 2016 Toronto International Film Festival premiere of “Deepwater Horizon” in Toronto, Canada on September 13, 2016

The “Jane the Virgin” actress also shared the red carpet with the founder of Fabletics, Kate Hudson, who was clad in a sheer black number.

What do you think of Gina’s gown? Because it’s couture, it can’t be bought online. However, laser-cut floral dresses seem to be a growing trend, so we found some dresses similar to Gina’s that we hope you’ll like:

Catherine Deane Gen Gown1. Catherine Deane Gen Gown, $1,500

Marchesa Notte Embroidered Flared Dress2. Marchesa Notte Embroidered Flared Dress, $1,295.00

Alexis Daniella Dress3. Alexis Daniella Dress, $748.00

Self Portrait Flower Panel Dress4. Self Portrait Flower Panel Dress, $545.00