Historical context: This report reflects plans announced in May 2013. The production later began filming in Mobile that June and the movie was released in 2014 under the title Rage.
Mobile was preparing to host a major movie production in the summer of 2013 as the action thriller then titled Tokarev lined up a cast led by Nicolas Cage. The project was expected to place camera crews and performers in the area during a busy season for downtown and neighborhood locations.
A Mobile production with a national cast
The film was to be directed by Spanish filmmaker Paco Cabezas in his first American feature. Its story centered on a former criminal forced to confront his past after his daughter is abducted, setting off a search that reunites him with former associates.
In addition to Cage, the announced cast included Danny Glover, Peter Stormare, Rachel Nichols and Aubrey Peeples. Screenwriters Jim Agnew and Sean Keller developed the script, while cinematographer Andrzej Sekula brought credits from films including Pulp Fiction and Reservoir Dogs.
Filming comes to the Port City
Production was scheduled to begin in Alabama in June, and Mobile was selected as the central filming location. The project added to the city’s record of hosting film and television work, a role that can bring temporary jobs, location activity and national attention to local landmarks and businesses.
For residents, the most visible effects of a production of this size were expected to be the crews, equipment and controlled sets that accompany a feature film. City services and property owners often work with productions to accommodate location needs while keeping routine activity moving around the set.
The movie ultimately began filming in Mobile on June 8, 2013. It was released the following year as Rage, preserving a chapter in Mobile’s continuing connection to film production on the Gulf Coast.