The Blair Witch Project's Financial Impact on Actors

The Blair Witch Project, a groundbreaking indie horror film released in 1999, celebrates its 25th anniversary amidst news of a reboot. Original actor Joshua Leonard expressed frustration on social media about the lack of financial recognition and respect towards the film’s cast. Despite the film’s monumental success, grossing $248 million at the box office and $372 million from ancillary sources, the actors received meager payments compared to potential earnings adjusted for inflation. The trio of Leonard, Heather Donahue, and Michael C. Williams were initially paid $11,000 for filming, with conservative estimates showing they have made $375,000 over the years, mostly from settlements. They argue that Hollywood accounting practices have deprived them of rightful earnings and residuals, and they demand acknowledgment and fair compensation from Lionsgate, the studio rebooting the franchise. This issue highlights the broader concerns of actors' rights and fair payment in the industry.