Relativity Media LLC is still on the mend after taking a slow and steady U-turn from bankruptcy in the past several months, and with that, they’ve managed to get back on track with some of their projects. One such project that’s been waiting in the wings thusfar is the reboot of the 1994 film, The Crow, which has seen more than its share of stops and starts since efforts began in 2008 and is on track to roll cameras in March next year.
Director Corin Hardy has been tapped to helm while the production continues to look for a lead actor following Jack Huston’s departure in June. Bearing in mind Relativity’s own drama remains unsettled right now with further details regarding the company’s financial unrest and hurdles therein, although nonetheless, producer Ed Pressman is confirming the company’s committment to the project according to Variety.
“Despite Relativity’s problems, we’re going ahead now,” said Pressman who was on hand for the 46th International Film Festival of India this week. “Relativity is putting up a good amount of money to do that. They are putting up significant holding money. They are moving ahead in a constructive and positive way and Ryan Kavanaugh seems totally committed to this theme.”
Pressman also believes the reboot should have some rewarding franchise potential similar to Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games; Considering The Crow endured three sequels of which two went direct-to-video prior to its own TV series, franchise potential could be prevalent, although as far as examples go, let’s hope it doesn’t catch franchise fatigue by the end.
Based on graphic novel author James O’Barr’s 1989 comic of the same name, the first film was directed by Alex Proyas. It was the final film featuring lead actor and martial artist Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, in the title role of Eric Draven, whose body reawakens, empowered by a mystical crow, to avenge his own death and that of his beloved in order to set the wrong things right. The film subsequently drew an immense cult following and worldwide box office success, purported mostly by news of Lee’s untimely on-set death during a scene after filming most of the movie. Lee was 28.
Other actors to play the title role were Vincent Perez in the theatrical sequel, actors Eric Mabuis and Edward Furlong in the two direct-to-video movies that followed, and martial artist and actor Mark Dacascos in a televised expansion of the role Lee played. The Ring helmer F. Javier Gutierrez, formally attached to direct, will be executive producing instead along with Tucker Tooley, Bob and Harvey Weinstein and Dan Farah, while O’Barr is currently on board as creative consultant.
A lead actor for Hardy‘s iteration is expected to be announced between now and early next year.
The Crow is among a slate of titles Relativity Media is set to get back on track with by next year, including director Martin Campbell’s upcoming book adaptation, Hunter Killer starring Gerard Butler.
