A few years ago a sci-fi action short titled The Raven made its way online. Produced for $5,000 and filmed over the course of two days, it went a bit viral and caught the attention of some Hollywood execs. Shortly after, papers were signed, deals were made and hands were shook and before we knew it, Universal Pictures had negotiated a deal to produce a feature-length version of the short.
Directing the film will be the director of the short, Ricardo de Montreuil, who will also take scripting duties alongside Justin Marks. With production set to begin in June, casting is underway and according to Deadline, Liam Hemsworth is being eyed for the lead role.
If he signs on, Hemsworth will play Chris Black AKA The Raven, “a man with psychokinetic powers living as an outlaw on the run in a futuristic, police-state version of Los Angeles.” You can watch the short below, which we recommend you do, but after watching it a few times myself, I can’t see anything too special about it.
Admittedly, the special effects were impressive given the film’s budget and Montreuil does show a knack for filming action, but still, I wasn’t terribly impressed with what I saw here and I don’t see what the big fuss is all about. The premise seems awfully generic too and judging by the footage shown, it doesn’t look like there’s much in the way of uniqueness or originality here.
Who knows though? It could turn into an alright film. Hemsworth is no stranger to action and the whole futuristic Los Angeles setting could be neat if done right. We’ll have to see though. For now, take a peak at the short below and let us know what you think in the comments.
Will The Raven make for a good film? Should Liam Hemsworth be the man to star in it?
