After Years of Development, ‘The Crow’ Reboot Takes Flight

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Written by Anthony Pernicka

November 18, 2023

The journey of “The Crow” reboot, a project mired in development for over a decade, is finally nearing its culmination. Lionsgate has recently secured the domestic rights to this much-anticipated film, setting a 2024 release date. The reboot of the 1994 cult classic, originally directed by Alex Proyas, is now in the hands of director Rupert Sanders, known for his work on “Snow White and the Huntsman.”

The film stars Bill Skarsgård, stepping into the formidable shoes of the original film’s star, Brandon Lee. Skarsgård, celebrated for his diverse roles ranging from the terrifying Pennywise in the “It” movies to his recent appearance in “John Wick: Chapter 4,” plays the character of Eric Draven. The reboot also features British singer-songwriter FKA Twigs as Shelley, Draven’s fiancée, signaling a potential expansion of her role compared to the original. Danny Huston and Isabella Wei round out the cast in yet-to-be-disclosed roles.

(L-R) Bill Skarsgard, FKA Twigs

The original “The Crow,” released in 1994, was not just a film but a cultural phenomenon, intertwining dark fantasy with a poignant tale of love and revenge. Its lead, Brandon Lee, tragically died during filming, adding a layer of somber legend to the film. The reboot aims to honor this legacy while providing a modern interpretation of James O’Barr’s graphic novel.

The reboot’s path to production was fraught with challenges. Initially announced in 2008 with Stephen Norrington at the helm, the project saw a revolving door of directors and writers, including Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, F. Javier Gutiérrez, and Corin Hardy. The script underwent several revisions by writers like Alex Tse and Cliff Dorfman, with legal battles and financial issues causing further delays. Eventually, in 2022, Zach Baylin was brought in to pen the script, and Rupert Sanders was confirmed as director.

The Crow Reboot Director Rupert Sanders

The reboot’s principal photography commenced in July 2022 in Prague, with significant scenes shot at the city’s Rudolfinum concert hall. The production wrapped in October 2022 after completing virtual production stages in Germany. The $50 million budget project was brought to life by producers Molly Hassell, Victor Hadida, John Jencks, Malcolm Gray, and Edward R. Pressman.

As “The Crow” reboot approaches its 2024 release, it marks a significant moment in the revival of a cult classic. With a new cast and creative team, this adaptation seeks to reinterpret a familiar story for a contemporary audience. While it remains to be seen how this version will compare to the original, the upcoming film certainly adds a new chapter to the legacy of “The Crow,” inviting both old fans and new viewers to witness its latest incarnation.

There is no trailer at this time, but we will update as soon as one becomes available. For now here’s a look at the classic 1994 trailer.

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The founder of iHorror.com, a producer, writer, and filmmaker with a passion for horror, genre entertainment, and independent cinema.

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