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Blair Witch Project Cast Advocates for Residual Payments and Creative Consultation
Following the announcement of another Blair Witch movie by Lionsgate, the original cast members of the iconic 1999 film have come forward to request retroactive and future residual payments for their roles. Actors Heather Donahue, Michael Williams, and Joshua Leonard jointly appealed to Lionsgate for fair compensation that would be equivalent to what they would have received had they been properly represented by SAG-AFTRA or a legal team during the film’s initial release.
In addition to financial restitution, the trio also expressed a desire to provide “meaningful consultation” on future Blair Witch projects. They aim to contribute their insights and expertise to potential sequels, prequels, reboots, video games, or any other media that might feature their likenesses. Citing the disappointment of previous reboots that lacked the creative input of the original team, the actors emphasized their unique perspective as creators of the Blair Witch phenomenon.
The cast members underscored their intimate connection to the franchise, having been instrumental in shaping its identity and enduring appeal among fans. They highlighted the irreplaceable role played by their performances, voices, and real names in establishing the authenticity of the Blair Witch Project. By calling for greater involvement in future projects, the actors seek to leverage their status as custodians of the Blair Witch legacy.
Support from Original Filmmakers
“As we near the 25th anniversary of The Blair Witch Project, our pride in the storyworld we created and the film we produced is reaffirmed by the recent announcement of a reboot by horror icons Jason Blum and James Wan. While we, the original filmmakers, respect Lionsgate’s right to monetize the intellectual property as it sees fit, we must highlight the significant contributions of the original cast—Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Mike Williams…
We celebrate our film’s legacy, and equally, we believe the actors deserve to be celebrated for their enduring association with the franchise.”
Sincerely, Eduardo Sanchez, Dan Myrick, Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello
In a show of solidarity, directors Daniel Myrick and Eduardo Sánchez, along with producers Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello, echoed the sentiments of the cast members. They emphasized the pivotal role played by Donahue, Leonard, and Williams in defining the franchise’s identity and maintaining its cultural relevance over the years.
In addition to advocating for the original cast, the filmmakers expressed their support for Lionsgate’s decision to explore new iterations of the Blair Witch story. However, they underscored the importance of acknowledging and honoring the actors’ integral contributions to the franchise’s success.
Overall, the collective statements from the cast members and filmmakers underscore a shared commitment to recognizing and compensating the individuals whose artistic endeavors shaped the Blair Witch Project into a cultural phenomenon. By advocating for fair treatment and creative involvement, the original creators seek to ensure that their legacy is properly acknowledged and respected in future iterations of the beloved franchise.
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