Only in Hollywood does it make any sense to let Stephen Norrington, the director of the troubled and Sean Connery-retiring “The League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” both write and direct a franchise reboot. But, it looks like it’s going to happen as the long-gestating reboot of “The Crow” will possibly get in front of cameras this year.
Producer Edward Pressman spoke to MTV about the upcoming film, saying the aim was to start shooting soon. He revealed, “[We’ve got an offer out] to a major actor and things are moving ahead very aggressively, with the aim of doing the film this year.”
For those of you who don’t remember, the original film of “The Crow” (we’ll pretend those ridiculous sequels never happened) centered on Eric Draven, a man who is mysteriously brought back to life to exact revenge on the people who murdered him and his fiancée. The film launched the career of director Alex Proyas, while its goth heavy design inspired many fans. So how will the reboot differ? Well, for starters Draven’s guide in the world of the living is going to play a bigger part. “The Crow itself is a creature in this movie — it’s not just a bird,” said Pressman. “Its got a personality and a character. Not like Godzilla exactly, but it’s very different [and has] a more active role in the story.”
Also changing slightly is the original film’s almost exclusively urban setting. For the reboot Pressman says, “The setting is the southwest — the Mexico/Arizona area — and an urban [setting], Detroit or Pittsburgh or something like that. There are two locations that the film is set. Its initial platform is in the southwest and then it moves to the big city in the north, middle or eastern America, and then back.” In addition, last year it was reported that the film will have an “almost documentary style” which we wagered would be some kind of sub-‘Bourne’-esque camerawork. Either that or it will be the goth version of “Waiting For Guffman.”
We frankly don’t think this reboot has any chance of being any good, but it will be interesting to see the casting that does get lined up for this. We wonder just how “major” the actor is that has an offer out (and we’re sure word of that will leak soon enough). For now, Brandon Lee will always be our Eric Draven. And oh yeah, remember the soundtrack for the original film? The Cure, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Pantera, Helmet, Nine Inch Nails……yeah, good luck Norrington…..