'The Crow' reboot falters at the box office with $4.6M opening

The reboot of The Crow has underperformed at the box office, earning $4.6M.

The reboot of the 1994 cult classic The Crow has struggled at the box office, earning just $4.6 million in its opening weekend. The film, which had a production budget of $50 million, received a tepid response from both critics and audiences. Critics rated it at 19% on Rotten Tomatoes, while audience reviews on Comscore/Screen Engine's PostTrak were equally harsh, giving it one star, a 47% grade, and a 36% definite recommendation.

Lionsgate, which acquired the North American rights for $10 million and spent an additional $15 million on marketing, is projected to face significant losses. The reboot, directed by Rupert Sanders and starring Bill Skarsgård, was intended to rejuvenate interest in the franchise, but the film's performance suggests otherwise. Historically, The Crow franchise has struggled with subsequent sequels. The original 1994 film, which starred the late Brandon Lee, grossed $50.7 million domestically and developed a cult following, largely due to Lee's tragic death during production.

Attempts to remake The Crow have been ongoing since 2008, with several high-profile actors and directors attached at different times. The latest version faced delays and production issues, including creative differences and the death of producer Edward Pressman. The film's release was also impacted by negative reactions to its trailer and early promotional materials.

RelishMix reported that the reboot's online presence was underwhelming, with 45% less engagement compared to similar action-horror films. Negative feedback focused on perceived disrespect towards the original film and dissatisfaction with the new casting and tonal changes.