The trailer for the new version of “The Crow” has just been released, revealing a significant twist in Eric Draven’s journey from beyond the grave. This latest adaptation, inspired by James O’Barr’s 1989 comic book series and a remake of the 1994 film directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee, is directed by Rupert Sanders and features Bill Skarsgård in the lead role. The original film has achieved cult status, despite the series’ less successful sequels, leading to this much-anticipated remake.
The storyline of “The Crow” remake centers around musician Eric Draven (played by Skarsgård) and his fiancée Shelly Webster (portrayed by FKA Twigs), who are brutally murdered in their home. Following their deaths, Eric is resurrected by a crow, granting him invulnerability. He embarks on a mission of vengeance against those responsible for their deaths. However, this new adaptation introduces a twist in Eric’s mission, suggesting a different reason for his resurrection, which has sparked some controversy among fans.
The first glimpse of Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven didn’t sit well with all fans, drawing comparisons to Jared Leto’s Joker. The initial trailer has not alleviated concerns regarding the story and its portrayal of Eric Draven. In this version, Eric undergoes a ritual in the afterlife for his resurrection, contrasting with the 1994 film where a crow simply taps on his grave to bring him back to life.
In the original “The Crow,” Eric, guided by the crow, avenges his and Shelly’s murders, eventually reuniting with Shelly’s spirit. The new trailer, however, hints that Eric’s mission might include the possibility of bringing Shelly back to life. This change introduces a new layer of emotion to Eric’s quest but also raises questions about the implications of this potential resurrection.
The trailer also teases scenes of Shelly in peril and Eric attempting to save her, reinforcing the notion that his return might be aimed not just at avenging their deaths but possibly reviving Shelly. A voiceover in the trailer suggests Eric has been given “the power of a god” and is running out of time to save her, adding urgency to his mission.
“The Crow” remake explores Eric and Shelly’s relationship more deeply than the 1994 film, which mainly used flashbacks to hint at their bond. This new focus reveals how they met and suggests Shelly had some involvement with their killers, adding depth to their story but also risking the portrayal feeling forced. The possibility of saving Shelly introduces a complex twist to Eric’s motivations, differing from the original film’s focus on revenge fueled by anger and pain.
This remake of “The Crow,” set to release on June 7, 2024, promises a dark and gritty revival of the cult classic. Directed by Rupert Sanders, it aims to pay tribute to the original while captivating modern audiences with new twists and a deeper exploration of Eric and Shelly’s relationship.