The Crow is receiving a new entry in the form of a reboot that will be directed by Rupert Sanders of Snow White & the Huntsman and the live-action Ghost in the Shell adaptation. With production aiming to begin in June, The Crow is traversing the film market in Cannes, which producers are hopeful will help secure the needed funding.

Twenty-eight years ago, Brandon Lee died making The Crow. The film was eventually released and quickly became a cult classic. It’s a true goth masterpiece of dark hero action directed by Alex Proyas. The film features a fantastic cast of villains, including Michael Wincott, Tony Todd, David Patrick Kelly, Bai Ling, Laurence Mason, and the late Michael Massee (who had to spend the remainder of his life struggling with the guilt of having been the one who pulled the trigger that took Lee’s life).

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Most fans would agree that the original film is lightning in a bottle, a 1990s time capsule of goth pop culture that perfectly aligned with the times. It marries action, horror, and superhero genre into a unique package that has become a lifestyle brand for those who embrace the macabre.

In the case of The Crow, fans have long voiced disapproval over the franchising effort that resulted in three lackluster sequels and a television show that few have seen. Now, with a big-budget reboot starring Bill Skarsgård (IT Chapters 1 and 2, Eternals), fans are once again divided over what to expect.

Could (Should) The Crow Be PG-13?

     Miramax Films

A new version would need an ensemble cast of villains who could capture the edgy vibe achieved so well in the 1994 movie. Current character actors who might fit the bill include Richard Brake, Mads Mikkelsen, Vincent Cassel, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Cheon So Jin. When considering the mission statement of “a modern retelling” of The Crow, it is possible this could mean less violence.

In many ways, modern sensibilities are less disturbing and more accessible to wider audiences. While a PG-13 approach to the material would probably confuse fans of the original, it could create a gateway for a new generation. The film could also remove the use of firearms altogether and lean more into hand-to-hand combat, with less murder overall.

While there isn’t a ton known about the upcoming film’s plot, the further it gets from the 1994 film may actually be a good thing. Perhaps a subtitle could also help distinguish it as a separate entry or ‘requel’ altogether.

Who Will Be The Crow’s Glimmer of Hope?

Another crucial component of The Crow was actor Ernie Hudson. The cop with a heart of gold is one of the few glimmers of hope in the film, set in the scariest version of Detroit ever committed to celluloid. It would be necessary to cast someone of equal charisma and charm for this role in the new version.

Will Eric Draven’s Fiancé Get an Updated Storyline?

     FKA Twigs via YouTube

The movie will also star musician and performance artist FKA Twigs rumored to be playing Eric Draven’s love interest. There have also been rumors of extending the presence of Draven’s fiancé in the film, giving FKA Twigs more screen time. The writers may even decide to imbue her with superpowers, bringing a female version of the Crow, a concept explored in the TV show, The Crow: Stairway to Heaven.

Will We See the Skull Cowboy?

Featured in an episode of Shudder’s 2020 series Cursed Films, the public finally learned the complete story about Brandon Lee’s death on the set of the 1994 film, which was shot in North Carolina. Prior to the airing of this episode, it was not widely known that a cast of Brandon Lee’s face had been used to construct a mask of the deceased actor to be placed onto the head of a stunt double for a number of shots in the final film.

One of the other interesting facts that came out about the production was the excision of the Skull Cowboy, a character featured in the comic book source material. Played by horror veteran Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, The Devil’s Rejects), the ghoulish character would have served as a guide for the undead spirit and spoken more to the actual rules regarding Eric’s supernatural abilities.

This is impeccably accomplished by the actual crow in the film and far less cheesy, as Alex Proyas himself has cited. Still, if done well, it does represent an interesting part of the lore that remains unexplored in cinematic adaptations. If the new film does move forward, it would be interesting to see this character attempted.

While the notion of a new Crow film brings a mixed bag of emotions, we’re hopeful the film takes flight with newfound inspiration and respect for what came before.