The Crow Remake: Significant Alterations to the Original 1990s Storyline

The Crow remake is already shaking things up by making a bold move that differs from the original film. Based on the 1989 comic book by James O'Barr, The Crow follows musician Eric Draven and his girlfriend Shelly, who are tragically killed by a gang before Eric is brought back to life by a mystical crow. Currently, there is little information available about the cast, storyline, or how closely the new movie will stick to the source material, despite set photos showing Bill Skarsgård as Eric / The Crow and FKS Twigs as Shelly.

Initial reactions to The Crow remake have been mixed, but the filmmakers seem to be taking a unique approach to the aesthetic, hinting at a remake with a tone and feel that is distinct and somewhat original. However, it appears that one crucial aspect of the original movie may be altered in the reboot, potentially changing the entire story. Whether audiences will embrace this change in The Crow reboot's storyline remains to be seen, but it certainly adds an interesting twist to the upcoming superhero movie.

The Crow Remake Is Adding More Of Eric & Shelly's Backstory

The 1994 version only provided glimpses into Eric and Shelly's relationship via flashbacks.

A photo of Sofia Shinas as Shelly in The Crow. - The 1994 version only provided glimpses into Eric and Shelly's relationship via flashbacks. - The Crow Remake Is Adding More Of Eric & Shelly's Backstory

The upcoming reboot of The Crow is expected to explore the relationship between Eric and Shelly in more depth than the original film. In the 1994 version, viewers only saw glimpses of their life together through quick flashbacks. However, the new movie will focus more on their relationship before they were tragically killed. This change from the original film's approach can enhance the storytelling of the remake for several reasons.

Rupert Sanders, director of The Crow remake, shared with Vanity Fair his vision for the film, highlighting a focus on the romance between Eric and Shelly. He expressed his interest in exploring themes of loss, grief, and the boundary between life and death, aiming to create a dark romance that delves into these deep emotions.

Sanders' approach indicates a departure from the original film, which was more of a superhero revenge story with supernatural elements and a gothic aesthetic. While the Brandon Lee version briefly touched on the romance between Eric and Shelly, Sanders seems to be aiming for a deeper exploration of their relationship. However, this shift in focus may alter the core framework of the story, presenting a potential challenge for the remake.

The Crow Remake's Added Backstory May Backfire

The added backstory could take away much of the mystique that contributed to The Crow's legacy.

Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven and FKA Twigs as Shelly hangout at a bonfire in The Crow. - The added backstory could take away much of the mystique that contributed to The Crow's legacy. - The Crow Remake's Added Backstory May Backfire

The Crow's cult-classic status was established through its striking visuals, dark characters, and unique approach to superheroes. However, what truly sets it apart is the enigmatic nature of Eric Draven. In the first movie, all we know is that he was a musician and in a relationship with Shelly. The rest of his story unfolds after his transformation, making him a captivating and mysterious antihero.

Why The Crow Remake's Added Backstory Could Still Work

Revealing too much of Eric's past life might not blend well tonally, assuming that he will be as happy with Shelly in the remake as he was in the original. Humanizing The Crow could be jarring considering the brutal ways he exacts revenge on those who murdered him and Shelly. The Crow works so well largely due to Eric feeling like a force of nature with the sole purpose of ridding the world of evil. While making that character more human and less supernatural is risky, it could also work.

Learning more about Eric and Shelly could make their untimely deaths feel more tragic.

Bill Skarsgård as The Crow puts on a leather jacket in The Crow. - Learning more about Eric and Shelly could make their untimely deaths feel more tragic. - Why The Crow Remake's Added Backstory Could Still Work

The decision to provide more context about Eric and Shelly's life in The Crow remake could be successful in helping audiences connect with them on a deeper level. While they were likable in the original, viewers who are not familiar with the comic books may not fully understand the tragic nature of their situation. By developing the characters more and showing their love through actions, not just words, The Crow could have its own unique appeal.

Despite Sanders' previous remakes not doing well, such as Ghost in the Shell, he has a chance to redeem himself with this risky move to explore Eric and Shelly's romance further. With Skarsgård leading the way and his impressive range as an actor, he could bring a sensitivity to Eric that fits well with his character. FKA Twigs, known for her innovative approach to female representation, could also bring something special to The Crow with a focus on romance.

Source: Vanity Fair

Editor's P/S:

The Crow remake's decision to delve deeper into Eric and Shelly's backstory is a bold move that could either enhance or hinder the film's impact. While the original movie's enigmatic nature contributed to its cult status, the added depth could provide a more emotional connection for audiences. However, it's crucial that the filmmakers strike a balance between humanizing Eric and maintaining the character's supernatural and enigmatic essence.

Overall, the article raises intriguing questions about the potential impact of this change on the film's overall tone and narrative. While it's too early to judge the success of this approach, it certainly adds an interesting twist to the upcoming reboot. The filmmakers' vision for a dark romance that explores themes of loss and grief could resonate with audiences, but it remains to be seen whether the added backstory will ultimately enhance or detract from the film's legacy as a cult classic.