Full Breakdown
New Blair Witch Project Reboot Reunites Original Cast and Creators
5/2/2026, 12:18:04 PM
Core Announcement: A Fresh Take on a Horror Classic
In 2024 Lionsgate and Blumhouse announced at CinemaCon a new reimagining of the 1999 found-footage horror film *The Blair Witch Project*. The studio partnership includes genre veterans Jason Blum, James Wan, and producer Roy Lee. Twenty-two-year-old filmmaker Dylan Clark—known for viral shorts such as *Portrait of God* (9.6 million YouTube views)—has been hired to direct and rewrite Chris Thomas Devlin’s original screenplay. Principal photography is slated to begin in the fall.
Background: Original Film, Residual Dispute, and 2024 Open Letter
The original *Blair Witch* became a cultural phenomenon, grossing roughly $248 million–$249 million worldwide on a modest budget. Despite its success, the three original actors—Heather Donahue (now Rei Hance), Joshua Leonard, and Michael C. Williams—received no residuals and were excluded from profit participation. In early 2024 the trio posted a Facebook open letter demanding “retroactive and future residual payments … equivalent to the sum that would’ve been allotted through SAG-AFTRA” and “meaningful consultation” on any future franchise projects. The letter was signed by original directors Eduardo Sánchez and Daniel Myrick and producers Gregg Hale, Robin Cowie, and Michael Monello.
Key Players: Cast, Directors, Producers, and New Director
Executive-producer credits now include original stars Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams, alongside the original directing team Sánchez, Myrick, and producer Hale. Heather Donahue, also a signatory on the open letter, is not listed among the producers. The production roster adds James Wan’s Atomic Monster, Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, and Roy Lee. Clark brings a digital-native sensibility honed on YouTube, while Sam Raimi and Jordan Peele are attached to produce his short-film adaptation *Portrait of God*.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1999 – *The Blair Witch Project* releases, becomes a box-office hit.
- 2024 (CinemaCon) – Lionsgate/Blumhouse announce new reimagining; original cast blindsided.
- Early 2024 – Cast and directors issue open letter demanding residuals and consultation.
- Mid-2024 – Lionsgate press release confirms “new imagining” and adds original creators as executive producers.
- Fall 2024 – Planned start of principal photography under Dylan Clark.
Data & Statistics
- Original worldwide gross: $248 million (source 4) vs. $249 million (source 10).
- Franchise now comprises four films, including the 2000 sequel *Book of Shadows* and the 2016 reboot *Blair Witch*.
- Clark’s short-film view count: 9.6 million (source 2).
Official Statements & Responses
Lionsgate’s press release described the project as a “new imagining” that will bring “the full mythology and legacy of the franchise to a new generation.” The original directors’ support statement praised “the significant contributions of the original cast.” Production partners—Blumhouse, Atomic Monster, and Roy Lee—emphasized a collaborative approach that blends classic tension with modern horror aesthetics.
Criticism & Opposition
The original cast initially expressed frustration at being excluded. Heather Donahue called the surprise “motherf*ckers,” while Joshua Leonard decried “25 years of disrespect” and the unequal profit share. Their comments highlighted longstanding grievances over residuals and creative input.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It was feeling very sweet for the first time in the whole history of this thing. And then — boom — comes this announcement, and it’s like, motherf*ckers.” — Heather Donahue, Actress
- “At this point, it’s 25 years of disrespect from the folks who’ve pocketed the lion’s share (pun intended) of the profits from OUR work, and that feels both icky and classless.” — Joshua Leonard, Actor
- “So, this is MY face on a press release for a film being made by two major studios - both I've worked for, both I respect. The WEIRD PART is that I didn't know anything about it until a friend sent me a 'congrats' screenshot yesterday,” — Joshua Leonard, Actor
- “new imagining” — Lionsgate (press release)
- “the significant contributions of the original cast.” — Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sánchez, Directors
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the original’s exact worldwide gross ($248 million vs. $249 million). No official release date or plot details have been disclosed, and Heather Donahue’s involvement remains unclear.
What’s Next
Principal photography is set for fall 2024, positioning the film as the franchise’s fourth installment. Further updates are expected as casting, shooting schedules, and a release window are finalized.
