The Crow director behind ‘cursed’ ’90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

As a die-hard fan of The Crow, I stand with Alex Proyas, the visionary director behind the ’90s masterpiece. The remake feels like a heartless cash grab, and its dismal box office performance serves as a much-needed wake-up call for Hollywood.


The director behind the ’90s cult classic film The Crow has slammed the controversial 2024 remake.

This week, Australian director Alex Proyas expressed his honest opinions about the movie on social media, one post specifically criticizing its disappointing performance at the box office.

Over the past weekend, I had the opportunity to witness the release of the remake, featuring Bill Skarsgård and helmed by Rupert Sanders. Regrettably, the box office earnings fell short of expectations, garnering only $4.6 million domestically and $10.3 million worldwide. This underwhelming performance came despite a reported production budget of $50 million.

Taking to Facebook this week, Alex’s spray pulled no punches when it came to the numbers.

‘I thought the remake was a cynical cash grab,’ he wrote. ‘Not much cash to grab it seems.’

Supporters of the initial version generally concurred with the director’s view, often expressing puzzlement as to why a reboot was initiated at all.

One fan commented, ‘The fact that it isn’t earning profits serves as the most effective message Hollywood could receive.’

‘There is something so profound about the original, something that has become such a part of people, that can never be replicated. 

The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

They continued: ‘The Crow transcends the boundaries of film and has become a part of people’s souls. There’s a magic to it and you just don’t F with that.’

Another chimed in with a similar but more succinct: ‘No one asked for this. No one.’

The remake is currently sitting at a 20 per cent critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while the original is at 86 per cent.

In 1994, the initial movie featured Brandon Lee, who was the son of the renowned martial artist, Bruce Lee. (or)

In this movie steeped in sorrow, “The Crow” was set to be the last appearance of Brandon on screen. Unfortunately, while filming, he was accidentally shot using a prop gun.

The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set
The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

Since Brandon had already wrapped up most of his scenes before the accident, the remaining portions were handled by reshoots involving a stand-in actor, additional filming, and post-production digital enhancements.

Continuing its legacy as a timeless gothic superhero tale, “The Crow” narrates the account of Eric Draven, a gifted rock artist, brought back to life post-death, in pursuit of vengeance against the criminal group responsible for his and his fiancée’s brutal murders.

Apart from posting his own unfavorable comments, Alex has additionally circulated a critical review of the movie titled “The Most Disappointing Film of the Year,” authored by YouTube critic The Critical Drinker.

The review we’ve all been waiting for,’ Alex wrote on the post. 

‘I feel it’s pointless to continue, but if a witty idea pops up later, I might jump back in.’

Alex also issued his displeasure with the remake after the remake trailer debuted.

I’ve always been a firm believer in sharing honest thoughts, and I recently expressed my discontentment, which unfortunately has since been removed from Facebook. This disapproval stemmed primarily from the heartbreaking incident that took Brandon’s life on set.

The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

He expressed that he finds no pleasure in observing negativity directed towards other filmmakers’ work, as he put it then.

Additionally, I feel confident that everyone involved genuinely meant well, just like everyone does in every movie production. Yet, it’s disheartening for me to delve deeper into this matter. However, I believe the reaction from fans says a lot more.

‘The Crow’ isn’t merely a film; it’s a tribute to the unfulfilled talent of Brandon Lee, who tragically lost his life during its production. The movie stands as a memorial to him and his untimely demise. It is his lasting imprint. That’s how it ought to be remembered.

The Crow director behind 'cursed' '90s original slams controversial remake more than 30 years after lead actor Brandon Lee was shot and killed on set

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2024-08-30 03:17

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