Alex Proyas, who directed 1994’s “The Crow,” went on Facebook to voice his displeasing reaction for the trailer of the remake (via IndieWire).
I really don’t get any joy from seeing negativity about any fellow filmmakers work. And I’m certain the cast and crew really had all good intentions, as we all do on any film. So it pains me to say any more on this topic, but I think the fan’s (negative) response speaks volumes. ‘The Crow’ is not just a movie. 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.
Proyas had originally expressed skepticism about rebooting his beloved cult classic, writing in 2017 via Facebook that any remake “seems wrong to me” after Lee “gave life to [character Eric Draven] at too high a cost.”
Proyas also shared a dig at Sanders’ “The Crow” in another Facebook post after first look images were shared. “Eric Draven’s having a bad hair day,” Proyas captioned a photo of “It” actor Skarsgård in the role. “Next reboot thanks.”
As I had previously mentioned, and which Proyas seems to be in agreement with, the whole raison d’être of the original was Brandon Lee. He’s the reason why it’s had such a healthy shelf life. Lee haunts every frame of 1994’s “The Crow,” which had eerie parallels to his untimely death, a case of art imitating life.
Dariusz Wolski’s noir photography was another iconic component of “The Crow”. Proyas made a fever-dream of a film that I don’t think can really be replicated today. This reboot, remake, whatever you want to call it, has been a misbegotten idea from its very inception.
Bill Skarsgård stars in the role of Eric Draven, and is joined in the cast of “The Crow” remake by singer FKA twigs, who plays Draven’s girlfriend/fiancée, and Danny Huston (“Yellowstone”). Sanders (“Snow White and the Huntsman”) is directing, from a screenplay by Oscar nominee Zach Baylin (“King Richard”).
Directed by Rupert Sanders — bad news — Lionsgate’s remake will be released on June 7, 2024.