‘The Crow’ Remake Gets Back on Track

“Development Hell” is a term used for any film project that, for various reasons, just can’t seem to get off the ground. It’s a term usually reserved for films that have numerous false starts, indicating that the studios behind them do want to see the films made, even though problems keep that from happening.

A remake of the gothic 1994 hit “The Crow” has been in development hell for several years now. However, it has overcome the latest hurdle and may finally be on its way to actually being made.

The most recent problem holding the film back was legal action from The Weinstein Company against Relativity Media, the studio behind the planned remake. The Weinstein Company is controlled by the Weinstein brothers, who were in control of Miramax at the time of the original film’s release from that studio. When Harvey and Bob learned of the remake, they contended that they still held the rights to the property and sought an injunction.

Now, an official press release reveals the two companies have reached an agreement that will see both of them working together on the project going forward.

“The Crow” is based on a comic book of the same name by James O. Barr. It tells the story of a musician who, along with his girlfriend, is killed violently. He is then resurrected by a crow for the express purpose of seeking vengeance for his and his girlfriend’s deaths.

The first “Crow” became as well known for the real life tragedy that occurred during the filming as anything else. Star Brandon Lee, son of the legendary Bruce Lee, was killed when a prop gun fired a shell that was jammed in the barrel. The film became a monument to the career Lee should have had, and would later spawn a number of lackluster direct-to-video sequels.

The legal battle between The Weinstein Company and Relativity was the latest in a series of issues that have stalled the film over the past two years. The project has lost two directors so far: Originally it was to be helmed by Stephen Norrington, who was later replaced by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. Twitch reported that Fresnadillo ultimately dropped out of the project this past October. Now Hitfix.com reports F. Javier Gutierrez has taken over directing duties.

The writing responsibilities have also changed hands, original screenwriter Nick Cave being replaced by Alex Tse. More recently, Hitfix.com noted Gutierrez said that Jesse Wigutow is now writing the script.

Then there’s the issue of who will star. Back when it was being helmed by Norrington, the studio was courting Mark Wahlberg. When that didn’t pan out, Bradley Cooper was considered but couldn’t work it into his schedule. Heat Vision reports that with Cooper out, the studio is considering Wahlberg once again, as well as Channing Tatum. With the project no longer in legal limbo, it may finally move forward — but first a star and director must sign on.

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