The Blair Witch Project stands as a pinnacle of horror cinema, claiming its iconic status globally. Despite numerous attempts to replicate its groundbreaking style or success, no project has managed to capture its essence.
As the 25th anniversary of the film approaches, the cast of this iconic movie has united to negotiate with Lionsgate, seeking their rightful residuals along with two other crucial demands. Fans are fuming after finding out how the cast had been treated post the mega success, and they’re making sure their frustration is heard loud and clear.
The Blair Witch Project Cast Exposes Lionsgate!
Only a handful of projects could ever match the uniqueness that The Blair Witch Project brought to the table. When it first debuted in 1999, it captured the world’s attention like nothing before, and nothing since has surpassed it. The film grossed a staggering $248,300,000 worldwide, (via The Numbers) making it a massive success both commercially and critically. As it approaches its 25th anniversary, shocking revelations have surfaced, exposing the true nature of Hollywood’s inner workings.
In an open letter addressed to Lionsgate, the trio comprising Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams from the 1999 blockbuster, The Blair Witch Project, are pushing for fairer compensation for their contributions. They’re also advocating for consultations on any future Blair Witch projects utilizing their identities. Additionally, they’re requesting a yearly $60,000 grant to support emerging filmmakers in their debut feature films.
The claim asked for, (via Deadline)
“Equivalent to the sum that would’ve been allotted through SAG-AFTRA, had we had proper union or legal representation when the film was made.”
Another request on the table for Lionsgate was not only fair financial remuneration but also a sincere commitment to involve them in any future projects related to the Blair Witch franchise, as previously mentioned ensuring their input and consent. As they said,
“Meaningful consultation on any future ‘Blair Witch’ reboot, sequel, prequel, toy, game, ride, escape room, etc., in which one could reasonably assume that Heather, Michael & Josh’s names and/or likenesses will be associated for promotional purposes in the public sphere.”
Adding to their requests, the trio also advocates for a grant “to an unknown/aspiring genre filmmaker to assist in making their first feature film. This is a GRANT, not a development fund, hence @lionsgate will not own any of the underlying rights to the project.”
This letter follows the announcement of the recent collaboration between the production house and Blumhouse for a reboot, it’s also crucial to highlight that Lionsgate wasn’t involved in the production or distribution of the original 1999 film. Instead, it gained ownership of the property through its acquisition of Canadian independent film distributor Artisan Entertainment in 2003.
Despite this, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the first instance of the actors taking action. Back in 2002, they filed a lawsuit against Artisan Entertainment for the unauthorized use of their identities in the studio’s 2000 sequel, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2.
Fans Outraged Over Treatment of The Blair Witch Project Cast
Fans are absolutely stunned by this revelation, and the mere thought of the cast being treated unfairly over the span of 25 years has left them in shock. They are now venting their frustrations across all social media platforms.
With each actor receiving a daily rate of $1,000 for the eight-day shoot, their compensation amounted to nearly $25,000 individually. While the film’s budget was originally estimated at approximately $35,000, potential post-production expenses could have inflated the total to $750,000 (via Wrapbook). Despite repeated complaints from the actors regarding their compensation, fans are now relieved to see them taking much-needed action.
Here is what the fans have to say-
This is a massive issue in hollywood that needs to be fixed. Actors and creatives deserve residuals and the respect of consulting
— Truly Pete (72%)👽 🔜 Some Rave Eventually (@AStateofPete) April 21, 2024
the movie grossed $250m and they didn’t see a penny of it, they absolutely deserve better
— harv (@harvv) April 21, 2024
That 3rd ask is a great idea. Imagine how many visionaries are being locked out of big futures due to financial restrictions…
— Landon Best 🔰🗽 (@Best4Liberty) April 21, 2024
I'm glad they're making they're bringing awareness to their needs. Hopefully it's met
— ReelTalker (@TalkerReel92) April 21, 2024
Wait they never got residuals? That’s just…what? Insanity.
Dating myself, but going to see this movie in the theater during its original run, BEFORE everyone knew what it was and how it was made, was something I still remember to this day.
— Still Only One Season of Firefly 🇺🇦 (@Murdochargh) April 21, 2024
Not sure what so many people don't understand about that second point. Perfectly reasonable for this legendary trio to ask that they be paid what they're worth, especially in cases when their REAL names and likenesses were used elsewhere outside of the original film.
— Tim Watts (@9tim80) April 21, 2024
The fact that The Blair Witch Project is still loved by so many people makes it really sad to think about how badly the cast was treated by one of the biggest Hollywood companies. Fans are hoping the cast finally gets the fair treatment they should have had a long time ago.
The Blair Witch Project is available to rent on Apple TV.
