As The Blair Witch Project turns 25, it remains one of the most influential horror films of the 1990s, revolutionizing the genre with its innovative found-footage style. Originally released in 1999, this low-budget film became a global phenomenon, grossing nearly $250 million and igniting a franchise that continues to this day.
Original Creators Left Out of the Loop
For directors Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick, this milestone brings both pride and frustration. Despite the success of the original, the filmmakers have had little involvement in the franchise’s subsequent projects. This exclusion continues with the upcoming sequel, produced by Lionsgate and Blumhouse Productions, where Sanchez and Myrick once again found themselves sidelined. “It’s always a little bittersweet,” Myrick shared, acknowledging the missed opportunities to expand on the rich lore they created.
The directors expressed their disappointment in a recent interview, noting that their suggestions and ideas for the franchise have often been overlooked. “We understand how Hollywood operates,” said Sanchez, recognizing that the industry often favors new directors over revisiting the original creators. Nevertheless, both directors feel that involving them could add depth to the upcoming project, if only to leverage their knowledge of the franchise’s foundation.
The Journey Since the Original Film
After the runaway success of The Blair Witch Project, Artisan Entertainment quickly released a sequel, Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2, in 2000, without the involvement of Sanchez and Myrick. Although the film earned a profit, it didn’t resonate with audiences as the original had. In 2016, Lionsgate took control of the franchise, releasing a reboot titled Blair Witch, but again, Sanchez and Myrick had limited roles in its production. Their absence from creative decisions over the years has been a recurring theme.
The Cast Pushes for Fair Compensation
The film’s original cast members—Heather Donahue, Michael Williams, and Joshua Leonard—have also struggled with the franchise’s success. As non-union actors in 1999, they were not entitled to residuals despite the film’s immense box office earnings. Although they later received a settlement, they continue to advocate for fair compensation given the franchise’s ongoing profitability. In April 2024, they issued an open letter to Lionsgate seeking additional payments, a move that Sanchez and Myrick publicly supported.
Encouragingly, Sanchez noted that the actors have recently begun discussions with Blumhouse and Lionsgate, though no concrete agreements have been reached. He expressed hope for a positive outcome, given the progress in negotiations.
Lessons Learned About Hollywood
Myrick reflected on the entire experience as a lesson in Hollywood’s realities. “Studios are not your friends,” he remarked, underscoring that the industry prioritizes profits over loyalty. Although Lionsgate’s newer entries in the series have seen moderate success, Sanchez and Myrick still believe that their perspective could bring something special to future projects, potentially offering fans a continuation of the original story’s dark and immersive world.
As The Blair Witch Project celebrates its 25th anniversary, horror enthusiasts are reminded of its legacy and the creative vision of its original team, even as they continue to navigate Hollywood’s challenging landscape.
For the full interview with the directors, visit Film Stories.
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
