Directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Bill Skarsgård, the reboot of the 1994 film, The Crow has become one of the hot topics of discussion. Based on James O’Barr’s comic book series of the same name, the film is the remake of the 1994 film, which featured Brandon Lee in the lead role. While the film was a box office hit and has since gained a cult following, the actor tragically lost his life during production due to a fatal incident involving a prop gun.
Criticism has been directed at the remake by original cast members and director Alex Proyas, who argue that it risks tarnishing Lee’s legacy. However, filmmaker Rupert Sanders has defended the project, asserting that it aims to pay tribute to Lee and expressing hope that the revival would do justice to his memory.
Rupert Sanders Defends the Upcoming The Crow Reboot
During a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Rupert Sanders, who directed the upcoming reboot of The Crow, shared that although his take on the story will be different, it will honor the memory of the late actor Brandon Lee. Acknowledging the tragedy surrounding Lee’s death, Sanders said,
“Obviously, it was a terrible tragedy, and it’s definitely something that we’ve always had in mind through the making of the film—Brandon was an original voice and I think he will always be synonymous with The Crow.”
Rupert Sanders also shared his belief that Lee’s spirit lives on in their adaptation, as he expressed his hope that their adaptation would make him proud. “I hope he’s proud of what we’ve done and how we’ve brought the story back again,” he said, before adding, “His soul is very much alive in this film.”
Lee had been cast as the protagonist Eric Draven in the original movie. Tragically, during the filming of one of his final scenes in 1993, he was fatally wounded by a prop gun and passed away at the age of 28. The film was eventually completed through the utilization of digital face replacement and Lee’s body double, Chad Stahelski.
The Crow (1994) Director Criticizes the Upcoming Remake
Filmmaker Alex Proyas, who directed the 1994 film, has voiced criticism regarding the reboot in a now-unavailable Facebook post. As per Variety, the filmmaker said, “I really don’t get any joy from seeing negativity about any fellow filmmakers work.”
While he acknowledged that both the cast and crew likely had positive intentions, he also emphasized that the 1994 film is more than just a movie. Proyas argued that the movie should continue to serve as a homage to Lee’s memory, saying,
“Brandon Lee died making it, and it was finished as a testament to his lost brilliance and tragic loss. It is his legacy. That’s how it should remain.”
Along with the filmmaker, actress Rochelle Davis, who portrayed the role of Sarah Mohr in the original film, has also expressed her discontent with the reboot. She has expressed her criticism by saying, “Yuck” to the Erix Draven’s revamped look in the remake. She has also shared that she would not be watching the film and would urge fans of the original film not to support the reboot.
The Crow (2024) is set to release on June 7, 2024.
The Crow (1994) is available to stream on Prime Video and Paramount+.
