The Crow Banned the Use of Guns on Set To Avoid 1994’s Tragedy Being Repeated

The Crow Banned the Use of Guns on Set To Avoid 1994's Tragedy Being Repeated

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the tragic incidents that have occurred on movie sets, I wholeheartedly applaud Rupert Sanders for his commendable decision to prioritize safety over aesthetics in his reimagining of The Crow. Having had the unfortunate experience of losing Brandon Lee during the production of a previous adaptation, and being all too aware of the recent tragedy that claimed the life of Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust, Sanders’ decision to ban actual guns from the set is nothing short of heroic.


As a passionate film lover, I’m eagerly counting down the days until Rupert Sanders’ fresh take on “The Crow” graces our movie screens. Before its North American debut, the director has shared an intriguing detail about his vision: guns were strictly prohibited on set during production. With Bill Skarsgård, FKA Twigs, and Danny Huston leading the cast, this adaptation follows a resurrected musician seeking vengeance for his deceased fiancée. Despite some initial skepticism based on trailers and first-look photos, it remains to be seen whether opinions will shift once the film is released.

During a conversation with Variety before the premiere of The Crow, Sanders emphasized that safety was his top priority on set. With the unfortunate incidents like Brandon Lee’s death during filming in 1994 and Halyna Hutchins’ passing on the set of Rust in 2021 in mind, the director clarified that he wasn’t prepared to risk anything, even if the special effects team was exceptional.

1. “Safety comes first, especially on movie sets which can be hazardous. You’ll find cars moving swiftly with cranes balanced atop them, and stunt performers leaping from high wires or descending stairs – it’s crucial to stay safe. On my first visit to Prague, I met the special effects team and the armorer, who was incredibly diligent about safety. They adhere to military-like precautions when handling weapons, but I still felt uneasy about any potential accidents.”

To prevent a reoccurrence of past incidents, Sanders strictly prohibited genuine firearms on the set of The Crow. In their place, he opted to use rubber replicas that mimicked the appearance of real weapons.

“I made it clear that no real firearms would be used on set; none were present with live ammunition or blanks. Not a single bullet could fly in our vicinity. All we had were Airsoft guns, some of which were merely rubber or metal props without functional firing mechanisms.”

The Extra Cost Was a Small Price to Pay

Previously having helmed films like “Snow White and the Huntsman” in 2012 and “Ghost in the Shell” in 2017, director Sanders is well-versed in VFX and their expenses. With “The Crow,” produced on a budget of $50 million dollars, finances for special effects were already stretched thin. Consequently, opting to prohibit real firearms on set was a costly decision. Nevertheless, he deemed it a reasonable expense if it ensured the safety of all involved.

“While it significantly dented my small visual effects fund, I believe it was a wise investment. The visual effects in this film were predominantly achieved on-set, with minimal post-production work. We primarily shot at locations, extending sets where necessary. Managing budget allocation is crucial when resources are limited for visual effects. However, I consider this expense essential for everyone’s safety and comfort during the project.”

Although there was a mix of opinions regarding the trailer for The Crow, it’s clear that the investment has proven fruitful, as the sequences showcasing the simulated guns are strikingly realistic. We can’t comment on the entire film at this point, but we do know it will be filled with bloodshed. Preview how everything comes together when The Crow hits theaters on August 23 from Lionsgate Films.

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2024-08-21 17:31