Fans of dark, gothic thrillers can mark their calendars as The Crow, starring Bill Skarsgård, is set to release on August 14, 2025, exclusively on Lionsgate Play via OTTplay Premium in India. This reboot of the 1994 cult classic brings a fresh yet haunting take on the original story, blending supernatural elements with intense emotional drama.
What Is The Crow About?
The 2024 version of The Crow follows Eric Draven, a musician who is brutally murdered alongside his fiancée, Shelly Webster. Mystically resurrected by a crow, Eric returns with supernatural powers to avenge their deaths. The film stays true to the original comic book by James O’Barr, maintaining its dark, gothic tone while updating the visuals and pacing for modern audiences.
The story explores themes of love, loss, and revenge, with a strong emphasis on atmospheric storytelling. The movie features rainy cityscapes, shadowy alleys, and a haunting soundtrack, creating a visually immersive experience.
Who Stars in The Crow?
Bill Skarsgård takes on the lead role of Eric Draven, stepping into the shoes originally worn by Brandon Lee in the 1994 film. Skarsgård, known for his chilling performances in It and Nosferatu, brings a mix of vulnerability and intensity to the character.
The cast also includes:
- FKA Twigs as Shelly Webster, Eric’s murdered fiancée.
- Danny Huston as Vincent Roeg, the main antagonist.
- Jordan Bolger, Isabella Wei, Josette Simon, Laura Birn, and Sami Bouajila in supporting roles.
Skarsgård shared in an interview that filming was emotionally taxing, saying:
“The role didn’t challenge me physically, but it was emotionally draining. I immersed myself completely in Eric’s pain and vengeance, and that stayed with me long after filming ended.”
Why Did The Crow Struggle in Theaters?
Despite its strong visuals and faithful adaptation, The Crow (2024) had a disappointing box office run, earning only $24.1 million against a $50 million budget. Critics gave it mixed reviews, with some praising its gothic style while others criticized its pacing. It currently holds a 22% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
However, the film has a chance to find a new audience on streaming. Fans of supernatural revenge stories and gothic horror may appreciate its dark themes and Skarsgård’s performance.
Where Can You Watch The Crow Online?
The movie will be available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu, making it accessible to a wider audience in India. After its theatrical release on August 23, 2024, it became available for Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and YouTube in September 2024. Now, it’s heading to Lionsgate Play for its official OTT debut.
How Does This Reboot Compare to the Original?
The 1994 The Crow, starring Brandon Lee, became a cult classic, partly due to Lee’s tragic death during filming. The 2024 version aims to honor the original while modernizing its approach. Director Rupert Sanders focused on deepening the emotional core of the story, making Eric’s journey more personal and intense.
Fans of the original might notice differences in tone and pacing, but the core themes of love, revenge, and supernatural justice remain intact.
After The Crow, Skarsgård will return as Pennywise in the upcoming miniseries It: Welcome to Derry, set to release in October 2025 on JioHotstar and OTTplay Premium. He also recently starred in the critically acclaimed Nosferatu, proving his versatility in horror and dark fantasy roles.
Also Read: Bill Skarsgård Rises From the Grave in Dark and Edgy “The Crow” Remake
Credits: Vocal Media, Hindustan Times, OTTplay
