It's a Disappointing Year for Expensive Flops: The Crow Remake Earns a Rough Reception
Director of The Crow's Original Film Criticizes Current Reboot
If you've been following the movie scene this year, you might have noticed that some highly-anticipated films just didn't deliver. Borderlands taking the crown for the biggest box office flop of 2024 isn't shy of the truth. Joining its league is the recent remake of The Crow, which was bashed by critics and fans alike. The film, starring Bill Skarsgård and FKA twigs, raked in a measly $4.6 million in its opening weekend despite its $50 million budget, making it a big-budget bomb.
Alex Proyas, the director of the original 1994 The Crow film, has been vocal about his disdain for the new adaptation on his official Facebook page. According to Variety, he aptly summed up the remake as a "cynical cash-grab... not much cash to grab it seems."
Proyas has reasons to be upset. The original The Crow is deeply rooted in the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Brandon Lee, who passed away on set during production. Proyas believes remaking the film disrespects Lee's legacy and is not a good idea.
The fan response to the remake has been largely negative, with many criticizing its creative direction. Proyas has shared numerous negative reviews on his Facebook page, likening it to "flogging a dead horse." Although he acknowledges that everyone involved in the film undoubtedly had good intentions, he believes the end product falls short.
Screenwriter William Schneider defended the remake's existence in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. He explained that they wanted to chart their own course rather than stick too closely to Proyas' original adaptation out of respect for the original film. Schneider expressed hope that the film would "reinvest" fans in the characters they love, focusing on themes of grief, loss, sacrifice, and love.
Sadly, audiences haven't shown much interest in the The Crow reboot, which currently holds a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It might take some time and re-evaluation for the film to gain the appreciation and recognition it was aiming for.
In case you're curious about what the future holds for your favorite franchises, check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what's next for the DC universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
Enrichment Data:
- Legacy and Respect for Brandon Lee: Proyas emphasizes that The Crow is deeply intertwined with the tragic circumstances of Brandon Lee's death. He believes remaking it disrespects Lee's memory and legacy.
- Creative Intent: Proyas criticizes the remake's creative direction, feeling that it fails to capture the essence of the original. He notes that while the cast and crew likely had good intentions, the end product falls short of the original's impact.
- Fan Response: The reaction to the remake's trailer has been predominantly negative, with Proyas pointing out that the fan response "speaks volumes" about the remake's failure to resonate with audiences.
- The Original Film's Legacy: The original The Crow is celebrated for its dark, gothic aesthetic and its poignant narrative of love, loss, and revenge. It was completed with careful dedication to respecting Brandon Lee's work after his untimely death, ensuring the film became a lasting tribute to him. The idea of a remake challenges this legacy by potentially overshadowing the original's emotional and cultural impact.
- Alex Proyas, the man behind the original 1994 'The Crow' film, expresses his disappointment over the recent remake, calling it a "cynical cash-grab" on his official Facebook page.
- Proyas, who has a deep personal connection to 'The Crow', notes that remaking the film disrespects the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Brandon Lee and its cultural legacy.
- In response to the negative fan response, Proyas has been sharing several critical reviews on his social media, likening the remake's situation to "flogging a dead horse".
- Despite screenwriter William Schneider's efforts to chart a new course for the remake, fans and critics alike seem unimpressed, with the film currently holding a low 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
