News of a “sequel” to the popular “found footage” movie has been released by Lionsgate. Some might be wondering how this could be a “sequel” to the 1999 release when there’s already been one.The Blair Witch Project was a massive hit in 1999 thanks to clever marketing by the creators of the film. The studio set up websites and fake interviews of “locals” talking about their experience with the witch in the woods. With such a creative selling tool, people started to believe that this was a true story with real found footage. Talks of a sequel began as the box office grew, and in true Hollywood style, the studio wanted it to be made immediately.
The original writers and directors co-wrote and produced the Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2 which was released in 2000. The story follows a group of tourists who visit the woods due to their obsession with the legend after watching The Blair Witch Project. Along the way they find pieces and the main house featured in the first film.
The sequel received large amounts of criticsm for stylistically being different to what made the original great. While financially it was not considered a flop, it was certainly a huge disappointment in the eyes of critics and audiences.
Completely ignoring the 2000 release, Lionsgate’s Blair Witch 2016 “direct sequel” will take us back to the woods. This time a group of University students decide to try to find out what happened to James Donahue’s sister, Heather, all those years ago. Who “disappeared” after her group went to investigate the legend of the Blair Witch. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the new group start experiencing supernatural presence around them as they continue on their mission.
The original creators of the Blair Witch series had no input in the new movie.
The new Blair Witch film will be in Australian cinemas on the 15th of September.
