The stars of the cult classic The Blair Witch Project, Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams, have been vocal about their ongoing financial struggles despite the monumental success of the film. Although the movie grossed nearly $250 million worldwide, the trio has scarcely seen any of that financial success.
Financial Strains Despite a Box Office Hit
Since the
1999 release of The Blair Witch Project, none of the actors have benefitted substantially from its immense commercial success. Leonard said, My agent asked me what the f**k I was doing,
adding, I said, You know that I haven’t made any money. We were all struggling to pay the rent.
Heather Donahue echoed similar sentiments, pointing out how they were not appropriately compensated when the film surpassed significant milestones. We were being cut out of something that we were intimately involved with creating,”
she admitted.
Lionsgate’s Reboot Announcement Adds Insult to Injury
The frustration mounted when Lionsgate announced a reboot to coincide with the film’s 25th anniversary without consulting the original cast members. Reflecting on this announcement, Donahue said, I was actually looking forward to the 25th anniversary. We had a few conventions booked. It was very soft for the first time in the entire history of this thing. And then, boom, comes this announcement, and it’s like motherfuckers.
A History of Minimal Compensation
Despite contributing significantly to The Blair Witch Project’s iconic status and success, the actors received negligible compensation. Williams expressed his discontentment stating, I’m very grateful for what I have now and how f**king hard I fought to get it. But it still impacts me,”
he said. “Giant corporations don’t care that this happens to young artists.
Discontent and Desire for Change
The cast’s frustration has been compounded by how they were excluded from events such as Cannes Film Festival premiere to perpetuate the illusion that their characters were real. Leonard elaborated: I don’t need Lionsgate to like me. I don’t care that they know that I think their behavior has been reprehensible.
The original creators have released a joint statement expressing hope that these financial issues would find a resolution. However, until then, it seems The Blair Witch Project’s stars will continue pushing for what they believe is their rightful share of its financial legacy.
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