Los Angeles, California – The cast and crew behind the groundbreaking 1999 film, “The Blair Witch Project,” are speaking out against the recent announcement of yet another reboot of the iconic found footage horror movie. The two major studios involved, Lionsgate and Blumhouse, made the announcement earlier this month, sparking controversy within the original team.
Joshua Leonard, one of the stars of the original film, expressed disappointment in not being informed about the project and not being consulted on the storyline. He, along with his co-stars Heather Donahue and Michael C. Williams, improvised much of the original film, which became a cult classic. The actors have raised concerns about not receiving additional compensation despite the film’s enduring success and Lionsgate’s attempts to turn it into a franchise over the years.
In a joint statement posted on Leonard’s Facebook page, the actors are demanding retroactive and future residual payments equivalent to what they would have received had proper representation been in place during the making of the film. They are also asking for meaningful consultation on any future Blair Witch projects and the creation of a “Blair Witch Grant” to support aspiring genre filmmakers.
The original film’s directors and producers have also voiced their support for the actors, emphasizing the significant contributions made by Leonard, Donahue, and Williams to the Blair Witch Project. As the faces of the franchise, their involvement has been integral to the film’s authenticity and lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
The filmmakers celebrate the legacy of the Blair Witch Project while advocating for recognition of the actors’ crucial role in its success. The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of intellectual property rights in the film industry and the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all those involved in creating a successful project.
As discussions continue between the original team and the studios, the future of the Blair Witch franchise remains uncertain. However, the voices of the actors and filmmakers serve as a reminder of the need for transparency and collaboration in the development of creative projects in Hollywood. The outcome of these negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.