The Crow Reboot Officially Casts Bill Skarsgard As Eric Draven, FKA Twigs As His Fiancée
Spencer Baculi
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Like its titular protagonist, the long-planned reboot of The Crow seems to have finally escaped development hell, as the film has officially made a move forward and found its Eric Draven in actor Bill Skarsgard.
Source: The Crow Vol. 1 #1 “Pain” (1989), Caliber Press. Words and art by James O’Barr.
RELATED: Leaked Test Footage Shows Jason Momoa As Eric Draven In Cancelled The Crow Reboot
Skarsgard, perhaps best known for his roles as Pennywise the Clown in the cinematic debut of Steven King’s IT and the villain Kro in Marvel’s Eternals, was announced as Brandon Lee’s successor to the part on April 1st, courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.
With Skarsgard’s casting, the third youngest sibling of the likewise-named acting family becomes the latest of a number of up-and-coming actors (at least at when they were respectively attached to the project) cast as Draven in the various attempts to reboot the film, joining such notable peers as Jack Huston, Bradley Cooper, and – most recently – Jason Momoa.
Source: Find Out How Bill Skarsgard Transformed Into Pennywise the Clown for ‘It’ (Exclusive), Entertainment Tonight YouTube
Alongside Skarsgard’s reveal, THR also confirmed that Rupert Sanders, whose only prior directorial credits are Snow White and the Huntsman and the live-action Ghost in the Shell, will serve in the same position for the James O’Barr creation’s return to the silver screen.
Source: The Crow (1994), Miramax Films
Then, just three days later on April 4th, THR once again returned with more The Crow casting news, announcing that, in her first major Hollywood role, British singer-songwriter FKA Twigs had joined the film as Draven’s fiancée.
The trade news outlet further noted that, according to their sources, “in this reimagining, the part has been reconceived into a co-lead,” though it’s unclear whether this means she either does not die, is reborn as something supernatural, or returns as her own incarnation of The Crow.
Source: FKA Twigs Calls Daniel Caesar & The Weeknd ‘Nice People’ To Collab With | EXTENDED, ET Canada YouTube
Curiously, though the character was identified by the name Shelly Webster in both the 1994 film and O’Barr’s original graphic novel, THR’s report solely identifies Twigs’ role as “the girlfriend/fiancée.”
As such, it’s unclear whether she will portray a race-swapped version of Shelly, herself portrayed by Sofia Shinas in the original film, or an original character.
Regardless, whether it’s the character or the role, Twigs’ casting in the film stands as yet another instance of race-swapping from modern Hollywood.
Source: The Crow Vol. 1 #2 “Fear” (1989), Caliber Press. Words and art by James O’Barr.
While these latest announcements seem to signal that Hollywood is yet again intent on reviving The Crow, such a prospect has been widely frowned upon by a number of fans, including the director of the character’s previous cinematic outing, Alex Proyas.
Source: The Crow (1994), Miramax Films
“My point is that Brandon Lee made that movie what it is. He made that movie, he made that character,” said Proyas during a 2020 appearance on the It’s Hughezy, Hello! podcast. “That character was not taken from a comic book, that was Brandon. And Brandon Lee died making that movie, he paid the worst price anyone could ever pay making a movie and it’s his legacy. The guy would have been a huge star after that movie. He wasn’t able to ever do that.”
“So that’s what the movie is,” he continued. “It’s not just a movie that can be remade. It’s one man’s legacy. And it should be treated with that level of respect.”
Source: The Crow (1994), Miramax Films
What do you make of Skarsgard and Twigs’ casting in Hollywood’s latest attempt to revive The Crow? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!
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