Director Rupert Sanders (“Ghost In The Shell” 2017) has headed the…controversial…remake of 1994 gothic cult classic, “The Crow.” The upcoming movie has already become a lightning rod for fan outrage. In a recent interview, Sanders assured fans that his adaptations will keep the spirit of the original and comic book.
Based on graphic novelist James O’Barr, the first film adaption of “The Crow” was a cultural touchstone for many. As with most films with a ravenous cult following the notion of remaking it is considered sacrilege. While there have been rumors swirling about a remake for decades, they never panned out due to fan outcry. Along with concerns about disrespecting the memory of star Brandon Lee, who literally died making the movie.
“The Crow” remake stars Bill Skarsgård (“IT”) as Eric Draven, a man who comes back from the dead to avenge the death of himself and his fiancee, played by FKA Twigs. Despite the big names attached, Sanders swears this isn’t a “Hollywood” film.
Sanders’ Thoughts
“There’s nothing to do with Hollywood in this movie at all,” Sanders said. “it’s a very scrappy indie movie.” He explains by not using the conventional blockbuster approach, they have been “able to remain close to the center and the darkness and the violence that’s in the graphic novel.”
“The only reason we could do that is because it’s not a studio movie,” he says.
Now a movie with a $50 million budget probably sounds about as far from independent as you can get. But to be fair, the original film was made on a $23 million budget, adjusting for inflation that’s roughly $48 million today.
Budget Vs. Spirit
Even though the budgets may be similar, the overall feel of the film is what many are concerned about. Sanders insists his limited budget forces him to be more skilled as a filmmaker. “You have to be more adept at making things more efficiently, that are emotionally resonant, and not just spectacle,” he explains.
Sanders also points out that the current state of the film industry, with many blockbusters failing at the box office, makes this the perfect time for a movie like “The Crow.” “I really hope we’re in for another kind of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls period of having to make these more down-and-dirty films that still feel like big epic movies [but] are weirder and stranger,” he said.
As cool as a resurgence in lower budget, risky, filmmaking would be. Only time will tell if “The Crow” helps usher it in.
“The Crow” hits theaters on August 23, 2024. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the project as they become available.
