Bill Skarsgård brings darkness and righteous vengeance in the long awaited reboot of The Crow. Based on the graphic novel by James O’Barr, the iconic figure of revenge returns in the first feature film adaptation in nearly 20 years.
The character of Eric Draven was of course immortalized in pop culture by Brandon Lee in the 1994 film of the same name. For many, that film showed the kind of talent and charisma that Lee had beyond the shadow of his legendary father. Lee was tragically killed due to an on-set accident during the filming of The Crow (1994), and since then, the character has been considered synonymous with Lee’s legacy.
It might be a surprise to some then that there have actually been several other The Crow films and a TV series, with The Crow: Wicked Prayer from 2005 being the most recent.
Now, 30 years after Brandon Lee’s iconic film, Bill Skarsgård brings his talents to a film that is making it clear that it is an adaptation of the original source material; the graphic novel. I appreciate that distinction, because it provides the appropriate respect for Lee’s film and doesn’t seek to replace it. Lionsgate and The Crow (2024) team clearly understand that need for sensitivity and respect around the original film.
On its own merits, Skarsgård as Draven looks like an interesting new take. Skarsgård’s intensity and ability to exude some eeriness in his performances are well known from his past projects like John Wick: Chapter 4, Barbarian, and of course, as the terrifying Pennywise in the It franchise.
“I was a huge fan of the original film growing up as a kid and was so honored to take on the role of Eric Draven. But really what drew me to it was what Rupert Sanders wanted to do with it. He wanted to completely reimagine the story and the character and tailor it towards a modern audience,” Skarsgård said in a statement. “It’s a character that I know many revere and have a strong connection to – he is unlike any I’ve ever taken on before. Working with the remarkably talented FKA Twigs was magical. I felt a responsibility to Eric’s story and endeavored to stay true to the spirit of the source material; I can’t wait for the world to see the film, and hope it resonates with audiences as strongly as it did with those of us involved.”
Skarsgård is joined in the film by Danny Huston, FKA Twigs, Laura Birn, Jordan Bolger, and Isabella Wei, with Rupert Sanders directing.
The Crow (2024) premieres in theaters June 7th.
About The Crow (2024):
Bill Skarsgård takes on the iconic role of THE CROW in this modern reimagining of the original graphic novel by James O’Barr.
Soulmates Eric Draven (Skarsgård) and Shelly Webster (FKA twigs) are brutally murdered when the demons of her dark past catch up with them. Given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself, Eric sets out to seek merciless revenge on their killers, traversing the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
