Another revamp of a legendary classic is on the horizon, with The Blair Witch Project receiving a modern makeover, but not everyone is happy.
Joshua Leonard, the star of the original and landmark thriller, has attacked Lionsgate for ’25 years of contempt’ in a stinging statement.
The Blair Witch Project premiered to great acclaim at the Sundance Film Festival in 1999, and it is widely regarded as the birthplace of the found video horror genre.
Despite appearing to be a genuine event, it is a fictitious account of three student filmmakers — Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams, and Joshua — who went missing in 1994 while producing a documentary on a local myth known as the Blair Witch.
‘So, this is MY face on a press release for a film being made by two major studios – both I’ve worked for, both I respect,’ vented Joshua on Instagram after seeing the Variety announcement.
‘The WEIRD PART is that I didn’t know anything about it until a friend sent me a “congrats” screenshot yesterday.’
His ‘congrats’ came after it was announced earlier this week that Blumhouse and Lionsgate will collaborate on a remake of the legendary film, 25 years after its original release.
The Madhouse star expressed frustration after seeking to ‘connect’ with Lionsgate for over a month for a charity showing.
‘I’ve been thinking a lot about this time, after seeing my BWP collaborators recently and sharing memories… sweet AND f***ed-up ones,’ he wrote.
‘There were many factors that made BWP a success: timing, marketing, etc. But there was also the FACT that us weirdos got together, with virtually no resources, AND MADE A FILM THAT WORKED!’
Since then, there have been sequels and remakes, including a recent attempt in 2016, but none have been able to replicate the charm of the original frightening terror.
In his article, Joshua explained details on the box office hit, which grossed roughly $250 million worldwide, and stated that the performers were only paid $300,000.
According to a Hollywood insider, the 48-year-old singer received a buyback of $4 million for their ownership points, but only earned $300,000. and never saw another penny.
He stated they were also advised at the time that due to rising marketing costs, they would wind up owing money back.
‘Mike was back moving furniture within 12 months of the release, while still on magazine covers,’ Joshua added and reminded everyone that his real name was used in the film.
This meant that the group took the studio to court to ‘win [their] names back’ as the copyright included the characters’ — and therefore actors’— names.
He concluded: ‘I’m so proud of our little punk-rock movie, and I LOVE the fans who keep the flames burning.
‘But at this point, it’s 25 years of disrespect from the folks who’ve pocketed the lion’s share (pun intended) of the profits from OUR work, and that feels both icky and classless.’
Days after his criticism, Joshua posted a screenshot of someone reaching out from Lionsgate but replied saying that bridge had been ‘burned’.
Since then, there have been sequels and remakes, including a recent attempt in 2016, but none have been able to replicate the charm of the original frightening terror.
In his article, Joshua explained details on the box office hit, which grossed roughly $250 million worldwide, and stated that the performers were only paid $300,000.
According to a Hollywood insider, the 48-year-old singer received a buyback of $4 million for their ownership points, but only earned $300,000. and never saw another penny.
He stated they were also advised at the time that due to rising marketing costs, they would wind up owing money back.
Since then, there have been sequels and remakes, including a recent attempt in 2016, but none have been able to replicate the charm of the original frightening terror.
In his article, Joshua explained details on the box office hit, which grossed roughly $250 million worldwide, and stated that the performers were only paid $300,000.
According to a Hollywood insider, the 48-year-old singer received a buyback of $4 million for their ownership points, but only earned $300,000. and never saw another penny.
He stated they were also advised at the time that due to rising marketing costs, they would wind up owing money back.
He scathed: ‘Someone from @lionsgate finally responded!!! Woohoo!!! Well over a month after I reached out with a request to collaborate on a charity screening.
‘Evidently it takes several thousand re-shares and about 6-7 major press articles to get a callback from these guys. Whatever, I’m grateful it’s happening.’
In the original announcement of the upcoming remake, Variety posted a picture of Joshua in the film and wrote: ‘Horror maestro Jason Blum is reviving The Blair Witch Project for Lionsgate.
‘Plot details have not been revealed, but Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson referred to the film a “new vision for Blair Witch that will reintroduce this horror classic for a new generation.”’
Source My Celebrity Life.