The Blair Witch Project would have broke the internet when it came out, if there was internet back then. The independent horror film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and then began raking in profits in the theaters. Plus, there were VHS sales and all that creepy Blair Witch merch, and then multiple spinoffs and sequels. Ironically, the crew that played dead after the release to ensure the movies’ success, barely saw a dime of those proceeds.
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The Blair Witch actors have been embroiled in legal battles with Artisan for off and on for decades. The actors did get paid, but it was literally crumbs compared to what millions of dollars that the film made due to contracts they signed at the beginning of production.
What Happened To The Blair Witch Stars
It’s hard to believe there’s anyone out there who hasn’t seen Blair With Project. But, just in case, the horror film was shot by three film students who went ghost-hunting in the hills. They found what they were looking for.
The heart-stopping movie ended with the students fighting for their lives to not be taken over by some sort of invisible evil entity. The world was in a frenzy over the ending, and were convinced the footage was real and the actors were still “missing.”
Obviously the “Is Blair With really real” gimmick helped boost the movies’ sales. But, in order for it to work, the stars had to go under the radar so people would think they were really missing.
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Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams and Joshua Leonard were working minimum wage jobs and catering gigs while their movie raked in millions at the box office.
According to a new report from Variety Magazine, “For months, the three endured these indignities because they thought that, given how much they’d contributed to the movie’s success, the “Blair Witch” windfall would eventually arrive.
Instead, to commemorate the film breaking $100 million at the domestic box office, Artisan sent each actor a fruit basket. “
Original Blair Witch Actors Speak Out
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This year at Cinemacon Lionsgate announced they are working on a new Blair Witch project, only further adding to the actors’ fury over lack of compensation.
Heather Donahue, Michael C. Williams and Joshua Leonard have all banned together and have sent a formal request for compensation. The company has not responded yet.
Do you think it’s crazy that the original Blair Witch Project stars were barely paid for the movie that rakes in hundreds of millions of dollars?
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