Summary
- Bill Skarsgård prefers a more conclusive ending in
The Crow
remake, hinting at an open-ended finale in this fresh interpretation. - Skarsgård’s role selection in complex, dark characters aligns with his deliberate career trajectory, avoiding conventional leading man roles.
- Ernie Hudson expresses deep emotional attachment to the original Crow film, hoping the remake diverges significantly to honor Brandon Lee’s legacy.
The Crow remake star Bill Skarsgård recently shared his thoughts on his latest role and the film’s direction. The actor, famous for his Pennywise portrayal in It film series, will step into the shoes of Eric, the tormented hero of the James O’Barr comic, in a fresh interpretation helmed by Rupert Sanders.
Speaking with Esquire, Skarsgård expressed a rare critique about the film’s conclusion. He hinted at an open-ended finale, potentially setting the stage for future installments. Despite understanding the commercial strategy behind such a decision, Skarsgård revealed his personal preference for a more conclusive ending, stating,
I personally preferred something more definitive.
The choice of Skarsgård for such a complex role continues his trend of embracing characters that are layered and often psychologically intricate, rather than those that might position him as a conventional leading man. The Crow director Rupert Sanders weighed in on Skarsgård’s selection of roles, observing that the actor is not drawn to the allure of becoming a “heartthrob.”
The Crow Remake
Bill Skarsgård takes on the iconic role of THE CROW in this modern reimagining of the original graphic novel by James O’Barr. Soulmates Eric (Skarsgård) and Shelly (FKA twigs) are brutally murdered when the demons of her dark past catch up with them. Given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself, Eric sets out to seek merciless revenge on their killers, traversing the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right.
- Release Date
- August 23, 2024
- Distributor(s)
- Lionsgate
Skarsgård seeks out characters with whom he feels a profound connection, a trend evident in his decision to also portray Count Orlok in an upcoming Nosferatu remake. His portrayal of Eric Draven in The Crow is not just another role but a deliberate choice that aligns with his career trajectory of complex, dark characters.
Skarsgård’s career choices come with their own set of challenges, particularly as his visibility increases. He candidly discussed the personal impact of rising fame, acknowledging the increased difficulties that accompany a higher profile. The actor said:
“There’s definitely worry about that. I’m trying to view the fame aspect as a challenge and navigate through it in a way that I’ll find happiness. I really don’t think my line of profession is a recipe for happiness or contentment. Not a lot of us are happy. And the more the fame is increased, the more turbulent and scary life becomes.”
Watch The Crow Remake’s trailer below:
The Crow Remake Faces Criticism from Original Team and Fans
The original Crow star Ernie Hudson shared his decision to abstain from viewing the upcoming remake of the film. During his interview on ComicBook, the veteran actor revealed his deep-seated feelings about the project, marking a clear boundary between his past experiences and the present reboot. Hudson said:
I haven’t seen it. The actor [Skarsgård], who — I can’t think of his name — is playing the lead, I love and respect. But, for me, The Crow is Brandon Lee. I can’t imagine.
Hudson expressed his hope that the new film diverges significantly from its predecessor. His comments reflect a desire for the new iteration to honor the past by forging its own path rather than attempting to replicate a story that is closely associated with real-world loss.
“The Crow is many different stories, let’s hope they don’t try to re-do him, that they do their own thing with it and take it in a different direction. I haven’t seen it, I haven’t seen any of the other Crow [movies], because [of] what happened to Brandon.”
Brandon Lee’s Role in The Crow Was Already Remade and Recast 25 Years Ago
The job of reassigning the titular role of The Crow is enough to drive casting directors to a mental breakdown.
The recently released Crow trailer has stirred discontent among the fans of the original film, amassing more than 100,000 dislikes on Youtube. The director of the original cult classic, Alex Proyas, has addressed the backlash with a nuanced statement, saying:
“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 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 expressed his discomfort with the negativity directed at the work of his fellow filmmakers, acknowledging the good intentions typically involved in any film’s production. However, he also noted the profound connection fans maintain with the original movie, stressing that The Crow transcends its cinematic value.
The Crow r
emake is set to premiere on June 7, 2024.
