Bill Skarsgård is skeptical about his new look in Raven, believing the character needs to be slimmed down before his resurrection.
James O’Barr’s iconic work, The Raven, returns to the big screen in a new adaptation that promises to update the classic story. Set to premiere this summer, this version brings back Bill Skarsgård as Erik, who sports a style inspired by modern rap stars, a departure from the character’s original appearance in the comics.
Chronic stress
In a recent interview with Empire magazine, Skarsgård shared his thoughts on his physical appearance in the film. The actor speculated that Eric was too muscular for the role, saying at least he didn’t have to act like a brutal avenger before the show.
“It felt so weird to be in such a good position to play Eric,” Skarsgard explained. “I wanted it to be very thin. I wasn’t much of an exerciser. “In a perfect world, he would have had a lot less muscle in the first half of the movie.”
Skarsgard criticized the ending of the film
In addition to his comments about the character’s body, Skarsgård expressed his displeasure with the outcome of the plot. Without revealing too many details to avoid spoilers, the actor hinted that the ending is somewhat ambiguous, perhaps leaving open the possibility of a sequel. Skarsgård admits he would have preferred a more conclusive closure.
Despite these differences, the new Raven adaptation retains the essence of the original story. The film continues to be a revenge tale with FKA Twigs playing Shelley, Eric’s partner. Both characters are brutally murdered by thugs, and that’s when the mysterious Crow brings Eric back to life, turning him into an undead vigilante with an insatiable thirst for revenge.
Directed by Rupert Sanders and with a script written by Zach Beilein and William Schneider, this new version features a production team consisting of Edward R. Pressman, Molly Hassell, Victor Hadida, John Jenck and Samuel Hadida.
The new adaptation
The late actor Brandon Lee Unfortunately, Lee lost his life on the set in 1993, at the end of production. Due to the popularity and love of the original version, the new film was received with some caution. However, Sanders said the new film honors Lee in a way that makes him proud.
“It was definitely a terrible tragedy, and it’s something we’ll always remember while making the movie,” Sanders told Vanity Fair. “Brandon was an original voice and I think he will always be synonymous with The Crow. I hope you are proud of what we did and how we restored history. His soul is very much alive in this film. There’s a real brokenness and beauty to his version of Crow, and I think Bill feels like the successor.
The new version of Raven It hits theaters on August 23, 2024, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how this modern adaptation manages to capture the essence of the classic while taking on the new and modern Avengers. With Skarsgard at the helm, the film promises not only action and revenge, but also a deep emotional connection that honors Brandon Lee’s legacy.
A new chapter for Eric Draven
Eric Draven’s reimagining, with an updated style and a narrative that seeks to connect with today’s audiences, makes for an interesting challenge. The changes to Eric’s appearance, although controversial, reflect an attempt to adapt the story to modern times, without losing his trademark darkness and intensity.
The Crow seeks not only to revive a beloved story, but to explore new aspects of its characters and world. With a focus on justice, redemption and eternal love, this new adaptation is set to leave a significant mark in the hearts of the franchise and its fans.