The Crow: Producer Responds to Original Film Director’s Criticism

Other members of the film’s original cast have also expressed skepticism about the film.

Image Credit: Lionsgate

The upcoming new film adaptation of The Crow is already at the center of a heated debate, with mixed reactions coming not only from fans of the franchise but also from those who worked on the iconic original film from 1994. While producer Molly Hassell has staunchly defended the project, calling it a necessary step forward in exploring universal themes such as love and loss, the director of the original film, Alex Proyas, has made it clear that he is disappointed with the new film.

The Crow currently has a score of 21% on Rotten Tomatoes

The original 1994 film, directed by Alex Proyas, has become a cult classic not only for its gothic aesthetic but also for the tragic death of Brandon Lee during filming. Lee played Eric Draven, a resurrected rock star who seeks revenge for the death of himself and his girlfriend. The new version, directed by Rupert Sanders, was billed as an adaptation of James O’Barr’s original 1989 comic, rather than a remake of Proyas’s film. However, the inclusion of a new “Eric,” played by Bill Skarsgård, has raised questions about the faithfulness and respect for the original work of The Crow.

Proyas, who has expressed his respect for Lee and the impact the 1994 film had, has been outspoken in criticizing the new adaptation. In a March 2024 interview, Proyas stated that while he acknowledges the good intentions of the new cast and crew, he believes that making another The Crow film is inappropriate, especially given Lee’s tragic fate. Proyas said that another adaptation risks tarnishing Lee’s memory and the legacy of the original film.

Other members of the film’s original cast have also expressed skepticism. Rochelle Davis, who played Sarah in the 1994 film, has criticized Skarsgård’s appearance in the new The Crow, saying that he should have stayed more faithful to Lee’s original performance out of respect for the late actor. Ernie Hudson, another veteran of the original film, has noted that while he is open to exploring new characters within the The Crow universe, revisiting Eric Draven’s story may not adequately honor Lee’s memory.

Source: screenrant