The Crow, released in 1994 directed by Alex Proyas and starring, in what would be his seventh and final role, Brandon Lee (son of martial arts legend Bruce Lee) is a cult classic, that became the voice of a generation. Based upon the acclaimed comic book by James O'Barr, the movie told the story of Eric Draven, resurrected a year after his death to sow revenge upon those that had murdered him and his fiancee on the night before their wedding. Supported by Ernie Hudson, Michael Wincott, Tony Todd and Michael Massee, Lee delivered the best performance of his short career, before succumbing to fatal injuries caused by an 'accident' during the movies haunting flashback scene in which Draven and his fiancee were murdered. With most of Lee's scenes complete, the movie was rewritten with Lee's face composited onto his stunt double for any remaining scenes. Upon release the movie was dedicated to Lee and his fiancee Eliza Hutton.
After the cult success of the movie studios New Line Cinema and Miramax wanted to repeat the formula and released three sequels - The Crow: City of Angels, The Crow: Salvation and The Crow: Wicked Prayer, none of which were able to recreate Lee's iconic performance. In recent years Relativity Media, whom now own the movie production rights to The Crow property have been looking to reboot the franchise, despite many fans regarding the move as disrespectful to the memory of Brandon Lee. Regardless the studio has pressed forward with many names being attached to the role of Eric Draven including Mark Wahlberg, Ryan Gosling, Channing Tatum, Tom Hiddleston, Alexander Skarsgard, Luke Evans and Jack Huston, all of which have turned down or left the project.
The reboot, despite not having a lead, was due to be the first movie to be filmed at Pinewood Cardiff, a new studio loacted in Wales, part of the UK. According to reports from ScreenDaily, the crew, whom have been preparing for principal photography at the new studio have all been dismissed. It seems earlier this week the small studio laid off 75 staff and on the 30th July 2015 studio Relativity Media filed for bankruptcy. It seems clear that someone or something doesn't want to see The Crow rebooted, hopefully with no studio, no lead and no demand any producers still pushing for this reboot to be made will take heed and leave Brandon Lee's Crow alone as the definitive yet tragic adaptation of the James O'Barrs comic book tragedy.
