"The Crow" Reboot Bans Real Guns After Brandon Lee's Tragic Death And The Rust Incident

The much-anticipated reboot of The Crow, directed by Rupert Sanders, marks a fresh take on the dark 1989 comic book. However, the production also carries a poignant commitment to safety that reflects the tragic history of the franchise and the film industry at large.

In 1994, the original film adaptation of The Crow faced a devastating tragedy when star Brandon Lee was accidentally shot and killed on set due to a mishap with a prop gun. This incident left an indelible mark on Hollywood, highlighting the dangers of using real firearms in film productions. Unfortunately, history echoed itself decades later on the set of Rust in October 2021, when cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was fatally shot after real rounds were accidentally used in a prop gun held by actor Alec Baldwin.

These incidents reinforced Sanders’ resolve to prioritize safety above all else during the production of the new The Crow film, which was shot in 2022. "Safety is a number one priority," Sanders emphasized in a recent interview with Variety. He noted the inherent dangers present on film sets, from high-speed stunts to complex industrial environments, stressing the importance of taking every precaution possible.

From the outset, Sanders made it clear that there would be no real firearms on his set. "We will have no firing weapons on set," Sanders stated unequivocally. This decision meant that not a single gun capable of firing a live round or even a blank round was allowed anywhere near the set. Instead, the production relied on Airsoft guns and non-functional rubber or metal decoys.

The decision to use Airsoft guns came with its own challenges, particularly in terms of visual effects. "The beauty of the Airsoft is that the slide on a Glock will still move back, but then you have to add the shell casing, the muzzle flash, and the smoke," Sanders explained. This approach required a significant portion of the film's limited visual effects budget, but for Sanders, it was a necessary trade-off to ensure the safety of the cast and crew.

The reboot stars Bill Skarsgård, known for his roles in It and John Wick 4, as Eric Draven, a character who seeks vengeance after being murdered alongside his girlfriend, Shelly, played by FKA Twigs. Sanders' commitment to safety on set, particularly through the use of non-lethal props, reflects a broader shift in Hollywood in the wake of the Rust tragedy. High-profile figures like Dwayne Johnson have also pledged to eliminate real guns from their productions, opting instead for rubber guns regardless of the cost.

As The Crow reboot prepares to hit theaters on August 23, it serves as a reminder of the importance of safety in filmmaking and the tragic consequences that can result when precautions are not taken. Sanders’ firm stance on banning real firearms on set may well set a new standard for future productions, ensuring that the focus remains on creativity and storytelling rather than unnecessary risks.

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Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Lionsgate