After over a decade of false starts and development struggles, the long-awaited remake of the cult classic The Crow has finally spread its wings. Lionsgate has unveiled the first full trailer for the new film, giving fans a glimpse of Bill Skarsgård’s intense portrayal of Eric Draven, the undead avenger at the heart of the story.
The haunting trailer opens with narration from Skarsgård’s Draven: “The thing is, I had a love so big it broke the boundaries of life and death.” We’re then shown flashes of his character’s tragic romance with Shelly Webster (played by FKA twigs) before their brutal murder at the hands of vicious killers. From the ashes of this tragedy, Draven is resurrected and begins his dark quest for vengeance, stalking the rain-soaked city streets in his signature black and white makeup.
Visually, the trailer evokes the grim gothic atmosphere of the original 1994 film while updating it with slick, modern cinematography from director Rupert Sanders (Snow White and the Huntsman). Skarsgård’s physical intensity and emotional ferocity appear well-suited for embodying the tormented Draven. The actor’s sharp cheekbones and hollow eyes behind the iconic black and white face paint are certainly striking, even if his look divided some fans when first revealed.
Of course, the remake faces the daunting task of honoring the legacy of Brandon Lee’s legendary performance in the original film, made all the more poignant by his tragic on-set death during production. While impossible to replicate, the new take seems determined to recapture the dark romanticism and supernatural vengeance that made the first film a cult phenomenon.
Based on the beloved comic book series by James O’Barr, The Crow has risen from the ashes of development hell with a script by Oscar-nominee Zach Baylin. The stacked supporting cast includes Danny Huston as the ruthless main villain, along with Isabella Wei, Laura Birn, Sami Bouajila, and Jordan Bolger.
After first being announced back in 2008, the remake has weathered a long and turbulent production history. Directors like Stephen Norrington and Juan Carlos Fresnadillo were previously attached, while actors like Bradley Cooper, Mark Wahlberg, and Tom Hiddleston were considered for the lead at various points.
Now that production has finally wrapped, the eerie and atmospheric trailer has reignited interest and debate among fans of the original film and the iconic comic series. While some are thrilled to see this brooding gothic tale brought back to life, others remain skeptical about whether any remake can recapture the magic and tragedy of Brandon Lee’s final performance.
The Crow remake is scheduled to emerge from the shadows and into theaters on June 7th, 2024. Whether it soars or falls flat remains to be seen, but this dark and stylized trailer has certainly ruffled some feathers among the cult fan base. Love it or hate it, this new take on an old favorite is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about reboots of the year.
