Actor Bill Skarsgard, famous for his role as Pennywise in the horror movies It and It Chapter Two, discussed his latest project, The Crow, and his experiences filming the American superhero movie directed by Rupert Sanders, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
"Physicality wasn't a concern, but the mental toll can be significant because you immerse yourself in it for four months," Skarsgard remarked at the Lionsgate film's global premiere. "I enjoyed the shoot, especially the many night shoots... You're deeply absorbed in a gloomy mindset for some time. I prefer to fully engage with it while filming. We did a lot of workouts, which I found beneficial. Nothing beats the feeling of exhaustion and sweat to exorcise the demons," he continued.
In The Crow, Skarsgard portrays Eric Draven, who is killed alongside his girlfriend Shelly, played by singer-songwriter FKA Twigs in her second film role. Existing in a liminal state between life and death, Eric becomes the invincible superhero known as The Crow, dedicated to avenging the tragedy and sacrificing himself to save Shelly. Sanders' adaptation of James O'Barr's comic book series comes 30 years after the 1994 original film.
Skarsgard also shared insights into his character and the inspiration behind his portrayal. "When you first meet him, he seems fragile, almost having given up on life and certainly on himself. So, to perform that, and then see him find Shelly, fall deeply in love with her, and project this saving angel onto her... And then, when he loses her, what he's willing to do for her. It's a beautiful, archetypal story about what people will do for love, and he's commendable in that way, I think, Eric as a character—very generous," he explained.
The Crow's director, Rupert Sanders, discussed why he believes Skarsgard and FKA Twigs are ideal for their roles. "Bill is an incredibly acclaimed actor with remarkable physicality. He's a beautiful, empathetic man, yet capable of this terrifying side that he enjoys bringing out, and he relishes that," Sanders said. "Twigs is an otherworldly, magical person, and I wanted a profound vacuum to be felt when Shelley died in the movie, so the audience truly goes on that journey with Eric to try and get her back."
The film delves into Eric and Shelly's relationship before their tragic fate fuels The Crow's mission. FKA Twigs, discussing her chemistry with Skarsgard, shared, "We went for dinners, hung out, and took walks. Bill's a pretty laid-back person, so we had a great time."
The production team of The Crow aimed to create their own interpretation of O'Barr's story, distinct from the 1994 original, which was overshadowed by tragedy when its star, Brandon Lee, son of Bruce Lee, was accidentally killed on set. The Crow is set to release in UAE theaters on August 22.
