The exclusive first look at Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven / The Crow in the eponymous supernatural superhero film has been unveiled, and the similarities of his get-up to that of a separate live-action iteration of another comic-book character haven’t gone unnoticed. After years of finding its way through development limbo, The Crow (2024) is set to be a reboot.
Helmed by Rupert Sanders and starring singer-songwriter FKA Twigs alongside Skarsgård, fans have long wondered if this modern-day big-screen rendition of the character will live up to Brandon Lee’s 1994 film, which was a cult classic and remained largely unrivaled by the three other films that followed it.
The first few reactions to the latest unveiling have suggested that Skarsgård’s metamorphosis into the anti-hero parallels Jared Leto’s Joker in the catastrophic Suicide Squad (2016). The resemblance is quite uncanny. Take a look.
First Look At Bill Skarsgård’s ‘The Crow‘ Draws Comparisons To Jared Leto’s Joker
Vanity Fair shared the first look at Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven / The Crow in the upcoming Rupert Sanders-helmed supernatural film. First having entered development in 2008, many wondered if the production would ever see the light of day.
Those who held their breath in anticipation have finally been offered a sneak peek into what could be a promising contemporary rendition of the titular vigilante of The Crow comic-book series.
The outlet has shared a couple of other pictures, with the one above signifying the transformation of Skarsgård from Rock musician Eric Draven into the more vengeful moniker of The Crow. You can check out the rest of the images, which also show us a glimpse at FKA Twigs and her character, Shelly Webster, below:
First Look: Director Rupert Sanders’ new big-screen take on ‘The Crow,’ starring Bill Skarsgård, has arrived.
Take an exclusive early look at the film: https://t.co/7UWmspwyXH
— VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) February 28, 2024
As you can tell, there’s a reason why the tatted Bill Skarsgård, maintaining an unnerving glance into the mirror, has reaped comparisons to a certain live-action Jared Leto character. Suicide Squad‘s Joker remains etched into people’s memory, often not for the impact he left behind, but for the get-up he boasted in the film.
The most noticeable aspect that made this rendition of the Clown Prince of Crime controversial among many was his tattoos and, not to forget, the make-up.
The latter element shone more prominently in Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
Funnily enough, when Jared Leto’s Joker was revamped in 2021, it drew a few comparisons to Brandon Lee‘s appearance in 1994’s The Crow.
As for what director Rupert Sanders’ had to say about the inspiration behind Bill Skarsgård’s look, the influences couldn’t be farther from the ‘vibes’ the fans took notice of. Talking to Vanity Fair, the 52-year-old affirmed:
“I think the beauty of Bill is that he has a disturbing beauty, and as he transforms through his loss, he becomes this thing that even he can’t control. […] That look was me in the ’90s when we were squat-raving in London, [mixed with some modern influences] like Post Malone and Lil Peep.”
Post Malone and Lil Peep… That seems about right.
Whatever the inspiration, one thing is clear. The first look has piqued people’s intrigue and has instantly become the talk of the town. Some have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to express their thoughts.
Netizens React To Bill Skarsgård’s Exclusive Look As The Crow
Amid a varied response to Bill Skarsgård’s Eric Draven/The Crow, the primary complaint that many seem to have is his resemblance to Suicide Squad‘s Joker rather than Brandon Lee in the original live-action iteration. Many feel robbed out of the character’s signature long raven hair. Of course, this rendition of the undead vigilante is a distinct take on James O’Barr’s source material, but a few users looked back on the promise of it being a ‘faithful adaption.’
Take a look at some netizens’ responses to the latest unveiling:
Jared Leto Joker vibes
— Chainsaw Reacts (@ChainsawReacts) February 28, 2024
Can we stop the “Suicide Squad Joker” tattoo thing? No one does it right and then you end up with a nipple eye tattoo.
— Byrd (@Byrdman778) February 28, 2024
Really? Did we need a remake of this? The first one with Brandon Lee was the best one and only one that we needed 🤨
— Kireina Kerner (@KireinaKerner) February 28, 2024
They had 1 job.. long hair man.
He looks like the joker— Paranormalgaming (@FullM3talAlch13) February 28, 2024
Come on man, if you are the crow you have to have long hair
— Tre Davis (@TreRighteous) February 28, 2024
— Green Lantern DCU Updates (@LanternUpdates) February 28, 2024
As fatigue surrounding reboots, remakes, and repurposed content characterizes the Hollywood landscape, it’s only natural for enthusiasts to feel dismayed by a contradicting representation of the character they grew to love, especially after Brandon Lee’s 1994 iteration, which unfortunately culminated in the late actor’s untimely death through a fatal prop gun wound.
There are also those who believe the original film should’ve been left untouched instead of weaving a media franchise around it, given no other variant has come close to rivaling or touching Lee’s legacy.
Under these conditions, it remains to be seen if Bill Skarsgård’s The Crow (2024) will win over audiences with its eventual June 7, 2024 release.
