The release of the film “The Crow” in 1994, featuring Brandon Lee in the lead role, quickly gained popularity and became a cultural phenomenon. However, tragedy struck during the production when Brandon Lee was accidentally killed on set in 1993 by a loaded prop gun. This incident shocked and saddened audiences, as it mirrored the untimely death of his father, the legendary actor and martial artist Bruce Lee. The unexpected and senseless nature of Brandon Lee’s death, combined with the connection to his father’s legacy, generated numerous stories and theories that captivated the grieving public. Brandon Lee, who shared his father’s passion for martial arts and philosophy, brought intensity, charisma, and an iconic presence to his portrayal of the character in “The Crow.”
Adapted from James O’Barr’s comic books, “The Crow” tells the story of a deceased musician who is resurrected a year after his death to seek revenge for the brutal murders of himself and his fiancé, occurring on the eve of their wedding. The tragic incident that occurred during the film’s production, coupled with the haunting and mesmerizing final result, solidified “The Crow” as a beloved film among fans and a significant action movie during the violence-filled 1990s.
After numerous attempts over the course of several decades, the highly anticipated reboot of the iconic “The Crow” franchise is finally gaining momentum. Fans can expect a fresh take on the story of Eric Draven. While details are still emerging, here is everything we currently know about the upcoming reboot.
The CrowReboot: The Plot
The upcoming reboot of “The Crow” is expected to retain the core narrative structure of the 1994 film while introducing a more prominent female supporting character. With the current cultural climate and the influence of recent popular trends, the reboot has the potential to explore even darker and more gothic themes than its predecessor. The character of The Crow has long been associated with the symbolism of death and has deep roots in literature, particularly in the works of Edgar Allan Poe. This reboot has the opportunity to delve further into the extensive lore surrounding the character, expanding beyond the boundaries of the original movie version.
Undoubtedly, producing a project that closely resembles the original film, which tragically resulted in the death of its star Brandon Lee, will be a challenging task. The recent incident involving cinematographer Helena Hutchins on the set of “Rust” under similar circumstances adds further sensitivity to the issue. Following the accident, Paramount Pictures dropped the original “Crow” movie, distancing themselves from any further involvement, while Miramax stepped in and ultimately released the film in theaters. Since then, there has been a vocal backlash from fans and supporters of Brandon Lee whenever attempts are made to revive the “Crow” franchise. The legacy and emotional weight associated with the previous film and its unfortunate outcome have made it a contentious topic among audiences and those connected to Brandon Lee.
Indeed, the reboot of “The Crow” presents an opportunity to engage in a healing process. It has the potential to pay tribute to the 1994 version, honor the legacy of Brandon Lee, and draw inspiration from the original comics as well as the longstanding gothic symbolism associated with the crow as a harbinger of death and darkness. Additionally, the reboot can serve as a platform to promote and highlight the importance of safety precautions on set, fostering a positive impact in the industry. As the project unfolds, we will soon witness how this new team approaches and handles the responsibility of bringing “The Crow” back to the screen.
The CrowReboot: The Cast & Crew
The upcoming revamp of “The Crow” is backed by a talented team. The director, Rupert Sanders, known for his work on gritty action films like “Snow White and the Huntsman” and “Ghost in the Shell,” leads the project. The production team includes Victor Hadida, Molly Hassell, John Jencks, and Edward R. Pressman, who will be involved in producing the film. Additionally, Dan Farah, known for his work on “The Phenomenon” and “Ready Player One,” serves as the executive producer. Taking on the iconic role of the Crow is Bill Skarsgard, renowned for his portrayal of Pennywise in the successful Stephen King adaptations “It” and “It Chapter 2.”
Bill Skarsgard’s exceptional talent and ability to embody surreal and otherworldly characters make him a fitting choice for the role of the Crow. With his remarkable skills in portraying horror and delivering impactful performances, Skarsgard is expected to bring a unique blend of terror and depth to the character. Joining him is FKA Twigs, an accomplished English recording artist and international star, who will portray the Crow’s girlfriend. This reboot will provide an opportunity to expand and develop her character, giving her a more significant role compared to the original 1994 version. FKA Twigs’ involvement adds an exciting dynamic to the film and offers a fresh perspective on the Crow’s story.
By bringing a woman’s perspective and actively involving the character played by FKA Twigs in the reboot film, the creators have an opportunity to enhance the story and introduce new elements that may not have been explored in previous iterations or source material. In the 1994 film, Shelley’s character had a limited arc, primarily serving as the tragic victim of a heinous crime and the love interest of the Crow. By giving the female character a more significant role and perspective, the reboot has the potential to delve deeper into her story, provide a fresh perspective, and contribute to a more well-rounded narrative. This inclusion of a woman’s perspective can add depth, complexity, and unique dynamics to the overall storytelling and characterization in the film.
Jason Momoa was originally attached to the Crow Reboot
The reboot of “The Crow” had made significant progress with Jason Momoa attached to portray the character of Eric Draven. Despite initial skepticism, Momoa’s appearance in makeup tests received positive feedback, with many praising his portrayal of Draven. As of 2016, it appeared that the reboot was moving forward successfully. However, updates on the project have been scarce since then, leaving the status of the Momoa-led version uncertain.
Following Jason Momoa’s involvement, Corin Hardy, known for directing “The Nun,” was attached as the director of the “The Crow” reboot. The intention was to infuse the film with a stronger horror element and maintain closer fidelity to the original comic source material. While the initial makeup tests created excitement, progress on the project appeared to stall afterward, and updates on its development became scarce. As a result, the status of the film and the involvement of Jason Momoa and Corin Hardy remained uncertain.
Similar to its predecessor, the new reboot of “The Crow” titled “The Crow Reborn” encountered numerous challenges right from the start of its development. The project faced issues related to financing, script development, and rights, which eventually led to the departure of the director and Jason Momoa from the film. The accumulation of these problems resulted in their exit from the project. Despite the setbacks, test footage featuring Momoa in full makeup surfaced online last year, offering a glimpse of what could have been.
Although Jason Momoa has a different physical build compared to Brandon Lee, the test footage showcased his portrayal of the character in a positive light. The makeup captured the essence of the iconic Crow character, emphasizing that the visual aesthetics played a significant role. Unfortunately, following the test footage, the reboot project for “The Crow Reborn” was ultimately shelved, and no further progress has been made since then.
The Crow Reboot: Release Date
The reboot of “The Crow” was officially announced during the Cannes Film Festival in 2022, and production began in July of the same year in Prague, with various locations in Europe being used. Fans are eagerly anticipating further updates and announcements from the production team, hoping for a definitive and captivating retelling of this haunting story sometime in 2023.
