Alex Proyas, the director of the original 1994 film The Crow, has voiced his concerns about the upcoming remake set to be released on June 7. Rather than stemming from a sense of ownership over the project, Proyas’ reservations are rooted in his loyalty to the original film’s star, Brandon Lee, who tragically died during production due to a malfunctioning gun.
In a social media post, Proyas expressed his reluctance to criticize fellow filmmakers, acknowledging that the cast and crew of the remake likely had good intentions. However, he pointed to the fans’ response as an indication of the original film’s significance. “[‘The Crow’] is not just a movie,” Proyas wrote. “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.“
The upcoming remake, produced by Lionsgate, features Bill Skarsgård in the lead role, with FKA Twigs playing his fiancée. The film is based on James O’Barr’s original graphic novel and boasts a talented cast including Danny Huston, Isabella Wei, Laura Birn, Sami Bouajila, and Jordan Bolger.
Proyas’ post included a link to an article from Comic Book Resources highlighting the unusually high number of dislikes the remake’s first trailer received. When the first image from the film was released, Proyas offered a less favorable assessment, commenting on the lead character’s questionable hairline and writing, “Eric Draven’s having a bad hair day. Next reboot thanks.“
The remake is directed by Rupert Sanders, with a script written by Zach Baylin and William Schneider. Edward R. Pressman, Samuel Hadida, Victor Hadida, John Jencks, and Molly Hassell serve as producers.
As the release date approaches, it remains to be seen how fans will receive this new interpretation of the beloved 1994 film and the legacy of Brandon Lee.
