Relativity’s remake of The Crow is continuing to have issues getting off the ground. In a new move, the Edward R. Pressman Film Corporation, who produced the original 1994 film, has lodged papers to deny the studio from any rights to sequels, prequels, or remakes. This is a reaction to Relativity Media studio head Dana Brunetti’s decision to remove Corin Hardy (The Hallow) as director of the project, a move that Pressman says it was not consulted on.
Let’s break this down, shall we? In 2009, Pressman and Relativity decided they were going to move forward on rebooting The Crow by giving an option for three films. In 2014, Relativity exercised those rights and they then had three years to begin principal photography, something that still hasn’t happened.
However, as with any contract, there are rules and stipulations that must be adhered to lest a breach occurs. And that’s what Pressman is alleging happened when Brunetti removed Hardy as director of the film. The director, Pressman explains, “…is known for his visual flair, having a penchant for horror and dark subject matter. The parties believed that Mr. Hardy was particularly suited to re-invigorate The Crow, which is based on a dark tale of revenge told originally in graphic novel form.”
Because Hardy was removed without consultation, Pressman is claiming that this is a violation of the contract and, therefore, it wants to end all opportunities for moving forward. Pressman and Relativity already came to a holding deal for Hardy that amounted to $150,000, not to mention all the time it must’ve taken to lock things down, so it’s understandable that there is some frustration.
From the sounds of things, it looks like Pressman is basically done with Relativity and that this may very well signal the end of The Crow unless a new studio can step up to the plate and play ball.
[H/T THR]