The directors of the original 'Blair Witch' have not been consulted for the new installment

Last April it was confirmed that Lionsgate y Blumhouse are partnering to develop a new delivery of The Blair Witch Project.

The project was launched under a multi-film pact that will reinvent the horror classics from the Lionsgate catalog, the studio behind the iconic original 1999 installment, known for revolutionizing the format. found footage.

However, the announcement of a new installment was not well received by the stars and creators of the original film, who the same month in which the project was announced, spoke out asking for recognition from Lionsgate, current holders of intellectual property rights. You can read the details about that. following this link.

For a little more context, The Blair Witch Project, was written and directed by Daniel Myrick y Eduardo Sanchezand created together with Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie y Michael Monello from Haxan Films, along with the three protagonists Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williamsy Joshua Leonard. Prior to Lionsgate and Blumhouse's announcement, neither of them were aware that a next film would be made.

With a different concept and an effective marketing campaign, the horror film made a box office of $248 million upon its theatrical release in 1999, with a budget of $60,000, becoming one of the most lucrative films in history.

Now, within the framework of the 25th anniversary of The Blair Witch ProjectMyrick and Sánchez speak on the occasion of the launch of a Blu-ray boxset of the film, by Second Sight.

In an interview with Film Stories, the filmmakers explained their feelings:

“It's always a little bittersweet,” Myrick acknowledges. “Ed and I have always had afterthoughts that expand the universe and the world that was created to Blair. “We have always thought that there is a lot to exploit in that entire universe.”

In 2000, Artisan Entertainment quickly launched the sequel Book of Shadowswithout the participation of the filmmakers of the original. By 2016, when the rights to the franchise came to Lionsgate, the sequel was released Blair Witch. Myrick and Sánchez were loosely involved in it, with Adam Wingard directing and Simon Barrett writing.

As for the next release from Lionsgate and Blumhouse, the filmmakers argue that they have all kinds of ideas they could contribute, although neither Lionsgate nor Blumhouse have had any contact with them.

Sánchez tells the media:

“Like Dan said, it's bittersweet. We still love intellectual property and have been thinking about it for over 25 years. And again, we don't expect to write and direct these movies. We understand how Hollywood works and they're always looking for the new shiny object, the new filmmaker. And there are a lot of super talented people who can make a great Blair Witch movie.

“It would be good if they included us again. Even if they don't listen to us. Just to get an idea, and again, as Dan was saying, we have a small fan base that is dedicated to the original film and it would be good publicity for them to bring us back. But we will see what happens.”

Myrick emphasized:

“Studies are not your friends. They are a business, so we learned to go through a trial by fire in that sense. Thereafter, It's just the way the business works.. I mean, Lionsgate got the rights. They made a couple of attempts at later films that were moderately successful, but We still cling to the naive notion that there are other movies Blair to explore and that we think would be valuable. Certainly for the public, for the fans. Unfortunately, Lionsgate simply hasn't taken that approach.”

The Blair Witch Project from 1999, follows three film students who disappear after entering a Maryland forest to film a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch, leaving behind only their recordings.

The film popularized the found footage narrative technique in horror cinema. Its big screen premiere 25 years ago turned to genre cinema, effectively introducing found footage, a technique that even today is used to inject a sense of realism to the events portrayed on screen.

Plot details for the new installment have not been revealed, but the president of Lionsgate Motion Picture Group previously referred to the film as a “new vision of Blair Witch that will reintroduce this horror classic for a new generation.”