Blair Witch actors seek compensation and involvement for franchise revival amidst lack of union representation

Three actors who appeared in “The Blair Witch Project” are seeking more compensation for their work on the popular 1990s horror film and demanding involvement in any upcoming remakes or sequels due to alleged lack of union representation at the time. Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard, and Michael Williams improvised most of the movie’s dialogue but claim they did not have proper guild representation during production in 1999. In addition to financial compensation, the actors want “meaningful consultation” on any future Blair Witch projects following news that the horror franchise is being revived again. Leonard previously revealed each actor received $300,000 from a buyout of their ownership stake after the movie made over $248 million globally. The trio sued Artisan Entertainment in 2002 for using their names and likenesses without permission on “Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2.” In an April letter, which was shared via social media, Donahue, Leonard, and Williams made known several requests addressed to studio owner Lionsgate that owns the movie franchise. These demands include a $60,000 grant for an aspiring filmmaker created in lieu of monetary rewards intended towards charitable endeavors or educational programs related to cinema arts. “The Blair Witch Project” became famous due to its hand-held camera style and mostly improvised dialogue when it was released on July 31, 1999. The movie’s success led Lionsgate to attempt a revival of the franchise with the release of “Blair Witch,” which grossed $45 million worldwide in 2016; currently, an escape room experience inspired by the series operates at Las Vegas’ Venetian hotel and casino.