Original 'Blair Witch Project' Cast Demands Compensation as Iconic Film Set for Remake

The original cast members of the groundbreaking 1999 horror film 'The Blair Witch Project' are demanding additional compensation and meaningful consultation as Lionsgate prepares to reboot the franchise. In an open letter, actors Joshua Leonard, Rei Hance (formerly Heather Donahue), and Michael Williams expressed their disappointment over how the film's legacy has been handled without adequately compensating them.

The cast, who had a 1% stake in the original film, agreed to a buyout of their ownership rights for $300,000 each, which cut them out of future royalties. Despite the film's massive success, grossing nearly $250 million worldwide and becoming a major milestone in the found footage horror genre, the actors claim they were not properly represented at the time.

Now, as Lionsgate and Blumhouse gear up for a remake, the cast is campaigning for retroactive and future residual payments equivalent to what they would have received through SAG-AFTRA. They are also requesting consultation on any future 'Blair Witch' projects that may use their names or likenesses, as well as the establishment of an annual $60,000 grant for unknown aspiring genre filmmakers.

The original film's directors, Eduardo Sanchez and Dan Myrick, have voiced their support for the actors, stating that their unique contributions defined the film's authenticity and continue to resonate with audiences. "The enduring legacy of the movie is due in large part to the actors' unique contributions," they said.

However, the cast faces a challenging legal battle, as an entertainment lawyer has stated they have "very little chance of winning" if the case goes to court, citing the lack of proper representation for the young actors at the time and the different industry landscape in 1999.

Why this matters: This incident highlights the ongoing issue of fair treatment and equitable remuneration for creative individuals in the film industry, especially at the start of their careers. As the 'Blair Witch' franchise continues to generate revenue, the original cast's fight for compensation raises important questions about artists' rights and the long-term value of their contributions.

While Lionsgate has the right to monetize the intellectual property, the actors believe they deserve to be celebrated and compensated for their enduring association with the franchise. As the remake moves forward, the outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how artists are treated in similar situations in the future.

Key Takeaways

• Original 'Blair Witch' cast demands compensation for franchise reboot.
• Cast had 1% stake, sold rights for $300K, now seek retroactive royalties.
• Directors support actors' unique contributions defining the film's authenticity.
• Cast faces legal challenges due to lack of representation in 1999.
• Dispute highlights artists' rights and fair compensation in the film industry.