EXCLUSIVE: Lionsgate has just tied up an eight-figure deal for domestic rights to The Crow reboot, we can reveal.
Bill Skarsgård (It), singer-songwriter FKA twigs (Honeyboy) and Danny Huston (Succession) lead Rupert Sanders’ (Snow White and the Huntsman) reimagining of the 1994 cult classic that memorably starred Brandon Lee in his last film role.
In the original revenge thriller, a man who is brutally murdered comes back to life as an undead avenger of his and his fiancée’s deaths. Both movies are based on the graphic novel of the gothic character created, written and illustrated by James O’Barr.
CAA Media Finance handled the deal for the film’s domestic rights. John Biondo oversaw on behalf of Lionsgate, with the pact finalized late Wednesday night as the TIFF festival and market gets underway. The movie is expected to release next year.
The script for the reboot comes from Oscar nominee Zach Baylin (King Richard) and Will Schneider. Also starring are Laura Birn (Foundation), Sami Bouajila (A Son), and Jordan Bolger (The Woman King).
The Crow is produced by Victor Hadida (Resident Evil), Molly Hassell (Terminal), John Jencks (Honest Thief), the late Samuel Hadida (True Romance), and the late Edward R. Pressman (The Crow). Production companies are Davis Films, Hassell Free Productions, Electric Shadow Company, and Pressman Film, which is now led by Sam Pressman.
The film was shot on location in Prague and Munich. International sales are handled by FilmNation, which already has closed a raft of deals.
“We appreciate what the Crow character and original movie mean to legions of fans and believe this new film will offer audiences an authentic and visceral reinterpretation of its emotional power and mythology,” said Lionsgate’s EVP Acquisitions and Co-Productions, Charlotte Koh, who will oversee for the indie-major. “To work with a creative team led by Rupert’s unparalleled visual style and storytelling and with a producing team who have made some of the most popular and impactful films of the last several decades is a true privilege.”
Added the producers in a joint statement: “The original film left an indelible mark on our culture that lives on. We are thrilled to bring a new adaptation for today’s audiences that respects this legacy. Rupert has masterfully brought new dimensions to create a contemporary universe for this timeless saga of undying love, and we can’t wait to share this vision with film audiences.”
Graphic novel The Crow was first published by Caliber Comics in 1989. The original from director Alex Proyas became a tragic production after star Brandon Lee, Bruce Lee’s son, was killed in an accidental shooting on the set.