The creators and stars of the iconic 1999 horror film "The Blair Witch Project" are sounding the alarm over compensation and lack of involvement as Lionsgate and Blumhouse prepare a franchise reboot.
In an open letter, lead actor Joshua Leonard, co-directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, and key producers call for overdue recognition of the contributions made by stars Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Mike Williams.
The groundbreaking found-footage film, shot on a $60,000 budget, became a cultural phenomenon and indie box office record-breaker, grossing nearly $250 million.
Despite its success, the lead actors received minimal initial payments and a later buyout that excluded them from future profits.
Now, the original team wants residuals tied to the franchise's ongoing exploitation.
They also seek "meaningful consultation" on future projects and the establishment of a yearly $60,000 "Blair Witch Grant" to support aspiring filmmakers.
The letter underscores the underpayment of the original cast and the lack of fair representation during negotiations.
The "Blair Witch Project" remains a landmark in indie horror, and its creators and stars believe it's time for their contributions to be properly acknowledged.
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