After a certain point, a movie project stops and starts so many times, you can’t help but wonder whether or not it’s really going to happen. The attempted remake/reboot of The Crow is a great example of this.
A new version of James O’Barr’s comic book goth avenger has been in the works since 2008, with directors like Stephen Norrington (Blade), Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (28 Weeks Later) and F. Javier Gutierrez (Before the Fall) attached at various points along the process. Mark Wahlberg, Bradley Cooper, James McAvoy, Tom Hiddleston and Luke Evans have taken turns being rumored as the possible lead.
Now Jack Huston (Boardwalk Empire) is reportedly the latest to paint his face and kick some ass, with Corin Hardy (The Hallow) signed on as director. This news comes from creator O’Barr, who told horror movie site Dread Central that Huston was cast. He’s a good choice, as someone on the rise who’s been rumored for roles such as Star-Lord in Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Strange. That breakout role seems to be on the way for him.
Personally, I don’t see why anyone is bothering trying to remake The Crow. Yes, Alex Proyas’ film starring the late Brandon Lee (who was killed during production in an on-set accident) came out in 1994. A 20-year span between the original and a remake is not too soon. But three awful sequels and a mediocre TV show demonstrated that there is only so much that can be mined from the premise of a man brought back to life to avenge the death of him as his loved ones. This new movie would supposedly be more faithful to O’Barr’s original comic books than the 1994 film.
I’ll admit a significant bias, as the Brandon Lee Crow is one of my favorite films (with a great soundtrack), has been a major influence for the wave of current comic book superhero movies and holds up quite well 20 years later.
