Cast Asks Lionsgate for Retroactive Residuals and Consultation on Future Projects

The directors and producers of the 1999 horror sensation also shared a statement in support of the cast: “We believe the actors deserve to be celebrated for their enduring association with the franchise.”

The stars of The Blair Witch Project have sent a public proposal to Lionsgate after the studio recently announced a partnership with Blumhouse for reboot of the 1999 horror sensation.

Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael Williams wrote that they’re asking Lionsgate for retroactive and future residual payments, “meaningful consultation” on any future Blair Witch projects and annual $60,000 grant for “unknown-aspiring genre filmmaker to assist in making their first feature film.”

“Our film has now been rebooted twice, both times were a disappointment from a fan/box office/critical perspective,” they wrote in part. “Neither of these films were made with significant creative input from the original team. As the insiders who created the Blair Witch and have been listening to what fans love & want for 25 years, we’re your single greatest, yet thus-far unutilized secret-weapon!”

The trio’s post also had a statement from the directors and producers of 1999’s The Blair Witch Project, including Eduardo Sánchez, Dan Myrick, Gregg Hole, Robin Cowie and Michael Monello.

“While we, the original filmmakers, respect Lionsgate’s right to monetize the intellectual property as it sees fit, we must highlight the significant contributions of the original cast – Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Mike Williams,” the statement read. “As the literal faces of what has become a franchise, their likenesses, voices, and real names are inseparably tied to The Blair Witch Project. Their unique contributions not only defined the film’s authenticity but continue to resonate with audiences around the world.”

The statement continued, “We celebrate our film’s legacy, and equally, we believe the actors deserve to be celebrated for their enduring association with the franchise.

The Blair Witch Project was initially released by Artisan Entertainment in 1999, which Lionsgate acquired in December 2003. Lionsgate did not produce or distribute the original movie.

Leonard was among the cast and crewmembers from the original film who shared frustration over lack of involvement in the future of the series. “I’m so proud of our little punk-rock movie, and I LOVE the fans who keep the flames burning,” Leonard wrote on Instagram. “But 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.”