This year marks the 25th anniversary of one of the most iconic found footage horror films of all time. Unfortunately, it’s a rather somber celebration for horror buffs out there.
Film Stories wrote that both directors Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, creators of the 1999 smash horror movie, have been excluded from the series they literally created years ago. Until now, this is still proven even with the upcoming sequel produced by Lionsgate in partnership with Blumhouse Productions. Production designer, Ben Rock, earlier this year mentioned not being contacted by Blumhouse about the upcoming reboot.
Myrick and Sanchez expressed how bittersweet this whole situation is. The former mentioned how he and Eduardo had ideas that could expand the universe and the world revolving around the franchise. He also stated how there’s many things to lay out in that entire universe.
Sanchez continued on stating how both directors still love their IP and have been wondering about it for more than 25 years now. He said that they don’t have expectations to write and direct these films and understood how Hollywood operates. He also said that it’s always searching for a new filmmaker and that there’s many talented people who can craft an amazing Blair Witch film.
He continues on expressing how being inclusive in the franchise again would be nice, even when both directors are ignored. He elaborated that the original movie has a dedicated fan base and it would be good press for the production companies to bring both directors back to the series. They’ll have to wait and see what will happen.
Myrick strongly stated that “studios are not your friends.” A harsh but truthful comment about the state of the industry. He continued stating that they’re just a business and have learned the hard way in regards to that.
He also specified that after Lionsgate picked up the rights, the company made numerous attempts at follow-up movies that have been somewhat successful. However, Myrick felt that he and Sanchez still grasp onto the idea that there’s other Blair films to explore that they feel would be important to the audience and fanatics, but the problem is that Lionsgate wouldn’t take their approach into consideration.
