The Crow Creator James O’Barr Backs Reboot, Can He Save The Franchise?

James O’Barr, the creator of the cult hero The Crow, has signed on as a “creative consultant” for the upcoming Crow reboot set to start shooting in 2014.  The original film, released in 1994, is a beloved classic with many loyal followers.   Many Crow fans are upset about rumored changes in the upcoming reboot, starring Luke Evans, directed by F. Javier Guttireiez, and written by Cliff Dorfman.  But can O’Barr come in and save the day?

A draft of the screenplay was leaked a few months ago, featuring major changes in the character.  In the draft, The Crow is an invisible ghost who wears face paint in order to see himself.  Him and his murdered girlfriend were both orphans who met in an orphanage when they were kids.  He is no longer a rock star in this version, instead he is a cop who quotes the bible non-stop.  Holy crap, I’m surprised fans didn’t riot.

“It is important for Crow fans to understand that Relativity, Javier, Luke and the entire team are working on a new adaptation of the book itself,” O’Barr said in a statement “I believe that this movie will stand alongside Brandon and his film as a valid work of art, and I look forward to collaborating on the project.”

No one is sure what the role of “creative consultant” entails.  Will O’Barr have any input at all or was he just brought in to get fans to shut up about the changes?

O’Barr and director F. Javier Gutiérrez are set to appear on stage at San Diego Comic-Con to promote the flick.

Are you guys excited or do you think The Crow remake is going to butcher the franchise?

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Jay Deitcher, LMSW(@mrdeitcher) is an educator on comic history and runs successful Free Comic Book Day events yearly.  You can see a listing of his incredible articles at JayDeitcher.com.