The Crow Reboot Director Says Guns Were Banned From Set. What They Used Instead

The Crow Reboot Director Says Guns Were Banned From Set. What They Used Instead

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed the heartbreaking tragedies that have befallen the industry, I am thrilled to see Rupert Sanders taking such a bold and responsible stance with the upcoming reboot of “The Crow.” The decision to ban functional firearms from the set is not only a testament to his commitment to safety but also a poignant echo of the franchise’s troubled past.


The upcoming remake of “The Crow,” helmed by director Rupert Sanders, is slated for release in 2024. This movie offers a revitalized perspective on the renowned dark comic book and pioneering safety measures on set. In a poignant decision that mirrors the franchise’s somber past and troubled production history, Sanders has prohibited all operational firearms from the filming location. This decision, influenced by previous accidents that have left an indelible mark on the industry, aims to ensure a safer environment for everyone involved. However, fear not action enthusiasts, the team found an alternative means to preserve the intense action sequences that the series is known for.

In the original 1994 film version of “The Crow,” unfortunate circumstances led to the death of its lead actor, Brandon Lee. A distressingly similar event took place on the set of “Rust” in 2021, where cinematographer Halyna Hutchins lost her life due to a prop gun containing live ammunition. With these tragedies fresh in our minds, director Rupert made it his utmost priority during the 2022 reboot to prioritize safety and prevent such an incident from happening again under his supervision. In a recent interview with Variety, he emphasized this focus on safety.

Safety is a number one priority. Film sets are very dangerous. There are fast moving cars with cranes stuck on the top. There are stunt guys falling on high wires down steps. Even just walking around a set at night with rain machines and lights — you’re working in an industrial environment. So it’s dangerous. You have to be safe. The first day I met with the special effects department and the armorer, who was great, in Prague. They were very safety-conscious. They follow all the same guidelines as the military when dealing with weapons, but I didn’t even want to risk that.

In light of the somber past associated with firearms and the dangers they pose on set, the director of “The Ghost in the Shell” movie opted to completely prohibit the use of real guns during filming. Instead, they employed Airsoft replicas that shoot harmless plastic pellets and props made from rubber or metal, which were inoperable. This precaution guaranteed that neither live ammunition nor blanks would be found on set at any point. Sanders added:

I clearly stated, “We won’t use real firearms on set at all.” This implies that no gun, whether loaded with live ammunition or blanks, was ever present anywhere. The guns we use are Airsoft, and some are merely rubber or metal props without the ability to shoot.

To make Airsoft guns appear more authentic in post-production, especially with visual effects, some inventive modifications were necessary. Although these replicas convincingly replicate actions such as a Glock’s slide movement, they also needed additional special effects to include casings, flash from the muzzle, and smoke. The director of Snow White and the Huntsman deemed the safety and comfort of his actors and crew were a fair trade-off for the extra effort.

The Crow Reboot Director Says Guns Were Banned From Set. What They Used Instead

In the movie industry, especially in Hollywood, there’s growing concern about the use of real firearms on sets. However, the team behind “The Crow” is demonstrating a commitment to safety that could redefine standards. With high-profile figures like Dwayne Johnson also committing to not use real guns in their productions, Sanders’ approach for the upcoming action movie might spark a change in how action films are produced. This new method ensures safety without compromising quality. The intense, action-packed trailer for “The Crow” shows that using Airsoft guns didn’t compromise its realism or brutality, suggesting to other filmmakers that it’s not worth risking live ammunition on set.

The reimagined version of “The Crow,” with Bill Skarsgård portraying Eric Draven, is scheduled for release in theaters on August 23. This new take maintains the familiar intensity and gloominess that fans are accustomed to, while ensuring the safety and health of all those participating in its production.

Check out our 2025 movie schedule to see what’s coming to a cinema near you in the months ahead.

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2024-08-21 17:38