In an era of heightened awareness about on-set safety, Rupert Sanders' upcoming reboot of 'The Crow' is setting a new standard by foregoing real weapons for Airsoft alternatives.
- August 21, 2024
AceShowbiz - As Hollywood continues to grapple with the tragic repercussions of using real firearms on set, Rupert Sanders' "The Crow" reboot is heralding a significant shift towards safety with its decision to utilize Airsoft guns. Sanders has made it clear that ensuring a safe filming environment was a priority from the outset of production.
The director's stance is deeply influenced by the tragic deaths of Brandon Lee during the original 1994 adaptation of "The Crow" and Halyna Hutchins on the set of Alec Baldwin's "Rust" in 2021. Both incidents were caused by the mishandling of real firearms during the productions. Given these precedents, Sanders was adamant that his 2022 film would adhere to the highest safety standards.
"Safety is a number one priority," Sanders emphasized in an interview with Variety. He detailed the inherent dangers of film sets, from fast-moving cars to high-wire stunts. When discussing the weaponry for "The Crow" reboot, Sanders stated unequivocally, "We will have no firing weapons on set," ensuring no real or blank rounds could pose a threat.
Instead, the production exclusively used Airsoft guns, which despite being non-lethal, still replicate the realistic mechanics of real firearms. Sanders acknowledged that this choice required additional visual effects work, including the addition of muzzle flashes and smoke, a trade-off he deemed worthwhile for safety's sake. "It took a fair bit of money out of my very limited visual effects budget, but I think it was worth it," he said.
"The Crow" features Bill Skarsgard as Eric Draven, a character driven by vengeance in the limbo between life and death. The film also stars singer FKA Twigs as Eric's girlfriend, Shelly.
The decision to use Airsoft guns aligns with the broader industry trend post-"Rust", where many filmmakers are now committed to using non-lethal alternatives. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, for instance, has pledged that all productions under his Seven Bucks Productions will use rubber guns, opting not to "worry about the dollars."
"The Crow" opens in theaters on August 23 and stands as a testament to prioritizing the safety of cast and crew while still delivering a compelling and visually stunning film.
