Lionsgate has officially released the trailer of the long-awaited adaptation of the 1994 supernatural action film The Crow. The trailer showcases Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven in a new look than what the late actor Brandon Lee established in the original film. With the original movie achieving hit status upon its release and gaining a dedicated fan base, it has since evolved into a franchise with multiple sequels and a television series.
And the upcoming reboot has also been in development for a long time, and over the years several actors and directors have been attached to the project. One of them also included the Oscar-nominated actor Mark Wahlberg, who was offered the lead role but was deemed unsuitable as he did not fit the description of the lead character.
Mark Wahlberg Was Unable to Land the Lead Role in The Crow Reboot
Known for his performances in acclaimed films like The Departed and The Fighter, Mark Wahlberg was one of the first names attached to The Crow reboot. While he was in talks to play the lead role of Eric Draven in the reboot, he ultimately departed from the film. The filmmaker announced his plans to write and direct a reboot of The Crow in 2008.
The 52-year-old actor did not fit the image of the rock musician, who returned from the dead to avenge his and his fiancee’s murders. Portrayed by the late actor Brandon Lee in the original film, the character was depicted as slender and gothic, with a feminine touch.
However, Wahlberg, known for starring in multiple action movies, has built a muscular physique over the course of his career. Many expressed discontent with the casting, claiming that the Uncharted star lacked the necessary qualities to embody Eric Draven.
Wahlberg also took his leave from the project following Norrington’s departure. “We never committed to making the movie,” he told Cinematical, as per Empire, as he explained that he was interested in the film only because of the director, who he was a big fan of. Emphasizing that he was never really “committed” to the film, Wahlberg shared that he had no interest in it following Norrington’s exit.
Actors Who Were Almost Cast As Eric Draven in The Crow Reboot
Bradley Cooper
Stephen Norrington was replaced by the 28 Weeks Later director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo as The Crow reboot moved ahead. And following Mark Wahlberg’s confirmed departure, Bradley Cooper emerged as the potential actor to assume the role of Eric Draven in the reboot.
The filmmaker even collaborated with comic artist Diego Latorre to explore and envision Cooper in The Crow makeup through conceptual images. However, both Fresnadillo and Cooper would also end up leaving the project due to scheduling conflicts, prompting a new filmmaker and actor to take over the reboot.
Luke Evans
Following Bradley Cooper’s departure from the film, reports revealed Luke Evans as the new candidate to take on the role of Eric Draven in the reboot. The Welsh actor was reportedly the original choice to embody the iconic character but was unable to commit to the film due to his busy schedule.
Filmmaker F. Javier Gutierrez took on the helm of the reboot, and the production was reportedly set to start in early 2014. However, these plans fell through when the Spanish filmmaker departed from the project. Corin Hardy later joined the film as director, but the constant delay prompted the Dracula Untold star to drop out, leaving its fate uncertain again.
Jack Huston
The next actor-director duo to join The Crow reboot was Corin Hardy and Jack Huston, the actor known for starring in TV series like Boardwalk Empire and Fargo and movies like American Hustle. While Huston expressed his enthusiasm for starring in the reboot, he ultimately had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts.
“I was so excited about it. I was so sad,” he said, explaining that it was one of the hardest decisions and expressed his hope for the filmmakers to “make a great movie.” Hardy remained involved with the film and eventually discovered the new star for The Crow reboot.
Jason Momoa
Known for portraying the DC superhero Aquaman, Jason Momoa joined the conversation to star in the reboot after he shared a picture with Corin Hardy on Instagram. Similar to Mark Wahlberg, Momoa’s muscular build also drew mixed reactions to his casting.
However, it was later reported that both the actor and the filmmaker departed from the project in 2018 due to creative differences with the producers. Momoa confirmed the news through an Instagram post, stating, “I’ve waited 8 years to play this dream role—Unfortunately, I may have to wait 8 more.”
He further apologized to fans and James O’Barr, the creator of the comic book series that inspired the 1994 film, arguing, “This film needs to be set free.” The Nun director also described leaving the project as one of his most difficult decisions.
After years of development, the film eventually went into production with Rupert Sanders taking the directorial reins and the It star Bill Skarsgård taking on the lead role alongside FKA Twigs.
The Crow is set to release on June 7, 2024.
