Comparing Bill Skarsgård and Brandon Lee's Appearance in The Crow

Bill Skarsgård is getting ready to play the lead role in the new version of The Crow, but his character's appearance has caused a lot of talk because it is different from the original movie starring Brandon Lee. Lee, who tragically died on set, left a lasting impact with his performance in The Crow, which was his final movie. His portrayal set a high standard for future actors taking on the role, making his look in the film just as iconic as the character itself.

Both movies are based on the comic series about Eric Draven, a man who is murdered with his fiancée and then returns from the dead to seek revenge on their killers.

Skarsgård Looks Like The Joker

The 2024 remake will feature Bill Skarsgård, a member of the famous Skarsgård family, which also includes his brother, Alexander, and their father, Stellan. The films are based on the comic series about Eric Draven, a man who is murdered alongside his fiancée and then comes back from the dead to seek revenge on their killers. The story is dark, filled with violence and grief, and Draven's appearance and transformation into the Crow play a significant role in how the audience views him.

Skarsgård looks a little too familiar in the promo pictures.

Bill Skarsgård and Brandon Lee side by side as The Crow - Skarsgård looks a little too familiar in the promo pictures. - Skarsgård Looks Like The Joker

The first images of The Crow remake have sparked comparisons to Jared Leto's Joker in Suicide Squad. While this isn't necessarily a negative thing, it could be worrisome for viewers who have a specific idea of how Eric should appear. Leto's Joker was also part of a remake, stepping into the shoes of the beloved Heath Ledger who gave an unforgettable performance in The Dark Knight before his tragic passing.

These similarities between the characters and their styling might not be a good sign if The Crow is following in the footsteps of Suicide Squad. Skarsgård, a talented actor known for his role as Pennywise in It, has proven his ability to embody iconic characters. However, the initial promotional images of his portrayal of Eric are already drawing comparisons to Leto's Joker. This could mean that the comparison will linger even after the film's premiere, regardless of Skarsgård's performance.

The Tattoos

His body is covered in them whereas Lee didn't have any.

Bill Skarsgård in The Crow 2024 and Brandon Lee in The Crow 1994 - His body is covered in them whereas Lee didn't have any. - The Tattoos

One of the most talked-about pictures of Skarsgård shows him as the Crow, adorned with tattoos all over his torso. The eye in the center of his chest is particularly striking, giving off a haunting vibe that suggests the resurrected Eric is a changed man from the one who was killed. Each tattoo likely holds a unique significance, symbolizing different experiences he had in both life and death.

The Hair

Skarsgård is not typically seen with a lot of tattoos, and the placement and designs suggest that they were specifically added for the movie. This could be influenced by the growing popularity and positive portrayal of tattoos in society. Nowadays, it is common for characters in films and TV series to sport tattoos as a way to express their personality.

Short and clipped versus long and unruly.

Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, and Brandon Lee in The Crow (2024) and The Crow (1994) - Short and clipped versus long and unruly. - The Hair

Eye Makeup

When it comes to eye makeup, Lee's look with his shoulder-length wavy hair embodied the 1990s grunge vibe. In comparison, Skarsgård's short mullet-like hairstyle better suits his character in a modern context. The shorter style complements Skarsgård's facial features and overall appearance. Despite Eric not meant to be attractive post-resurrection, both actors are naturally good-looking and how they were styled accentuated their attractiveness.

Lee's makeup was more in line with the comics.

Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs in The Crow (2024) and Brandon Lee in The Crow (1994) - Lee's makeup was more in line with the comics. - Eye Makeup

Lee's Appearance Without Face Paint

In the original The Crow comics, Lee's character was depicted with gothic and over-dramatic eye makeup that symbolized his connection to death. However, in the 2024 adaptation, there seems to be a lack of face paint for Lee. This change suggests that the movie is taking a more loosely inspired approach from the comics. Despite the absence of face paint, Lee's appearance still serves as a constant reminder of his resurrection and his quest for revenge. The physical changes he makes to his appearance reflect his unwavering commitment to his purpose in seeking vengeance.

The white face paint is missing from Skarsgård.

Bill Skarsgård in The Crow (2024) and Brandon Lee in The Crow (1994) - The white face paint is missing from Skarsgård. - Lack Of Face Paint

The Clothes

In the 1994 film The Crow, Eric is always seen wearing a full face of white paint, known as "corpse paint," after rising from the grave. This eerie makeup serves as a constant reminder of his death. However, it seems that in the upcoming adaptation, Skarsgård will not be using the white foundation. Instead, he will focus on creating a general appearance of pallor. This decision may allow the audience to better appreciate his facial expressions and acting skills, as his face will be more visible without heavy makeup. Skarsgård, who is no stranger to elaborate makeup in his other projects, could be taking a fresh approach by opting for a more natural look in this role.

Black leather is the only thing they have in common.

Bill Skarsgård in The Crow (2024) and Brandon Lee in The Crow (1994) - Black leather is the only thing they have in common. - The Clothes

Skarsgård Is Not As Goth

Lee's Crow had a signature style of tight-fitting black shirts and a long leather overcoat. Skarsgård's version may show him shirtless more often, but his wardrobe is more diverse than Lee's. The film also features images of Eric and Shelly, his fiancée, with a focus on colors, warm lighting, and the contrast between life and death. This contrast in styling and cinematography will help viewers understand the shifts in tone throughout the movie.

His Crow doesn't have the grungy edge of Lee's.

Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs in The Crow (2024) and Brandon Lee in The Crow (1994) - His Crow doesn't have the grungy edge of Lee's. - Skarsgård Is Not As Goth

Modern Styling

From the released pictures, it seems that Skarsgård will not be embracing the same goth and emo style as Lee's character. In the '90s, fringe gothic and punk scenes were popular among alternative music fans, but nowadays, musicians like Eric prefer a different look. The Crow's post-death appearance should be influenced by darker tones and morbid imagery, reflecting who he was in life and what he is fighting for after coming back from the dead.

Skarsgård's Crow is an updated version for younger audiences.

Bill Skarsgård and FKA Twigs in The Crow (2024) and Brandon Lee in The Crow (1994) - Skarsgård's Crow is an updated version for younger audiences. - Modern Styling

Overall, the changes made to Eric's character in the 2024 The Crow compared to the 1994 version aim to attract modern audiences. Some younger viewers may be unfamiliar with the original movie or comics. Skarsgård's portrayal of Eric will be the first encounter for many in a new generation, putting a lot of pressure on both the film and the actor. Controversy surrounding his appearance can actually be beneficial as it generates buzz and discussion about the movie.

The upcoming film must strike a balance between honoring the old while also introducing new elements to satisfy loyal fans and engage newcomers.

It's understandable to be concerned about The Crow remake not living up to the original. However, simply copying the '90s version wouldn't make for a great film either. The new movie needs to strike a balance between honoring the past and appealing to a modern audience. This means updating the story to resonate with current themes and styles, which is a challenging task. But for the film to be successful, it must take on this challenge.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the upcoming remake of "The Crow," comparing Bill Skarsgård's portrayal of Eric Draven to Brandon Lee's iconic performance. While the similarities between the characters' appearances, particularly in terms of tattoos and hairstyles, are noted, there are also significant departures from the original. The article acknowledges the challenges faced by Skarsgård in capturing the essence of Lee's performance, while also recognizing the need for the remake to appeal to a modern audience.

Overall, the article raises valid points regarding the delicate balance between honoring the legacy of the original film and introducing fresh elements. It highlights the importance of striking a chord with both loyal fans and newcomers, and suggests that the success of the remake will hinge on its ability to achieve this balance. The article effectively conveys the anticipation and concerns surrounding the upcoming adaptation, leaving readers eager to witness Skarsgård's take on the enigmatic character.