This is probably one of the most “sensitive” projects I will ever have to cast however, the wheel is already turning and there is no stopping time itself. And so I will respectfully cast the successor, of the ever so inspirational character that was to grace the fan-favourite medium, which was brilliantly portrayed by the unforgettably talented Brandon Lee.
There has been much debate over the idea of “re-making” this cult classic that obviously never needed to be remade. Most of the arguments have been in the light of the new director that made public his intention of adding his “touch” to the already sterling adaptation of the popular comic book by James O’Barr. Him being blamed for the disgrace that was made of Allan Moore’s masterpiece of literature named “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”. Stephen Norrington’s vision of the League however distorted it might have been from the original seems to have blinded the masses from his brilliant interpretation of the Vampire Hunter: Blade. His gritty, serious yet realistic take on society’s secret underground life made Blade’s world appear to be our own and in the end made us connect on a much deeper level with the character, something even the very talented Guillermo Del Toro, hasn’t been able to execute with as much ease on his version of the character as well as his cherished projects of the Hellboy adaptations. And this “vision” is just what Norrington wants to bring to The Crow’s atmosphere. If there ever was a reason to remake this movie, I ultimately believe that “he” has the talent required for the task as he has proven in the past.
But putting the director aside, there are some rather large “shoes” to fill if not monumental. Brandon Lee’s performance is what made this movie the cult classic it is today. However, even though I believe his performance to be “unmatchable”, a fresh new take can be brought to this mesmerizing personality provided the successor be as talented as his predecessor, as was proven not too long ago by a gentleman named Heath Ledger. His performance as the antagonist named “The Joker” was renowned through out the world even though, had already been astonishingly portrayed by none other than Jack Nicholson. Ledger’s fresh new take on the character, as “jaw-dropping” it might have been, will never be able to totally “eclipse” Jack’s interpretation, as it will forever remain a comfort classic in our hearts. Now the gentlemen I’m thinking of as replacement certainly has more than enough talent to fill the boots so to speak as he has demonstrated in the very “League” that Norrington has directed as well as his own version of “The Vampire: Lestat”. Having already worked with Norrington can only aid to the accomplishment of this hefty task. And so without further adieu, I give you… Stuart Townsend as Eric Draven (The Crow).
The “Shaman” has spoken!