"The Crow" remake hit a wall Thursday when actor Jason Momoa and director Corin Hardy withdrew from the project weeks before production was set to begin, Deadline reported.
Momoa posted about his decision on Instagram, saying, "This film needs to be set free. And to the fans. Sorry. I can’t play anything but what this film deserves and it needs love. I’m ready when it’s right."
The film had an Oct. 11, 2019, release date with production set to begin within the next five weeks in Budapest. Sony Pictures, which announced in September that it would distribute the film, reportedly was close to exiting the project over creative and financial differences with producer Samuel Hadida of Davis Films, Deadline said.
Based on a graphic novel by James O'Barr, the original film was released in 1994 starring Brandon Lee and directed by Alex Proyas.
Proyas had spoken out against the remake, saying it was disrespectful to Lee, who died in an on-set accident during production of the 1994 film, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The remake faced numerous hurdles, including studio bankruptcies, lawsuits, and turnover of actors for the lead role of Eric Dravens, according to Cinemablend.
Twitter users shared mixed reactions to the announcement.