Lionsgate has postponed the releases of two highly anticipated horror movie sequels, The Crow reboot and Saw XI. The studio announced the delays for both films at the 2023 CinemaCon event.
The Crow, which was originally set for a June 7, 2024 release, has been pushed back to August 23, 2024. Meanwhile, Saw XI has been delayed even further, moving from September 27, 2024 to September 26, 2025.
By shifting The Crow from June to August, Lionsgate has moved it away from competing summer blockbusters like Bad Boys 4, The Watchers, Ballerina, and Hitman. August is typically a less crowded month for major studio releases, which could allow The Crow more room to draw horror fans.
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Early footage shown at CinemaCon reportedly impressed attendees, despite mixed reactions to the initial teaser trailer. Lionsgate seems to feel optimistic that The Crow will find its audience among fans of the original cult classic.
The Crow is a reboot of the classic 1994 dark fantasy film starring Brandon Lee. This new take on The Crow will be directed by Rupert Sanders and stars Bill Skarsgård as Eric Draven, a murdered musician who returns from the grave to seek vengeance.
The creepy Skarsgård is known for his roles in horror productions like ‘It’ and ‘Castle Rock’. Joining him is musician FKA Twigs as Eric’s ill-fated fiancée Shelly Webster. Lionsgate promises the film to be a dark, visually stunning, and action-packed revenge tale; hopefully living up to the cult-favorite original.
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As for Saw XI, this is the latest installment in the hugely successful, long-running Saw horror franchise. Saw films reliably draw audiences seeking graphic torture scenes and complex, twist-filled plots starring the iconic villain Jigsaw.
Saw X, released in 2023, was a surprise critical and commercial hit for Lionsgate, earning over $110 million globally. It also signaled a return to form for the series after several poorly reviewed sequels.
The one-year delay for Saw XI suggests they don’t want to rush into another subpar sequel. Story details are still tightly guarded, but the Saw movies have proven remarkably inventive in keeping the killer Jigsaw relevant. Saw XI may feature a new villain or dive deeper into the series’ intricate mythology.
Horror fans can look forward to both The Crow reboot and Saw XI, albeit a little later than expected. The delays could pay off if the extra production time results in two strong additions to these iconic scary movie franchises. Lionsgate seems to recognize the excitement around The Crow and Saw XI and is positioning both for maximum impact.
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