Although The Blair Witch Project is one of the most profitable films of all time, its legacy has been overshadowed by disappointing sequels and accusations of mistreatment toward the original cast. In 2024, after a new film in the franchise was announced, the directors and actors from the original movie criticized Lionsgate, bringing fresh attention to long-standing issues. However, actor Michael C. Williams, who played Michael in the 1999 film, recently shared a cryptic message on Instagram that might hint at his return to the franchise and suggest that the past conflict could be resolved.
To mark the 26th anniversary of the film’s release, Williams posted a behind-the-scenes photo from the movie’s chilling final scene, where his character stands silently facing the wall before Heather is attacked. While the image itself is eerie, it is the caption that has sparked speculation about what the future holds.
Williams shares his appreciation for his fellow Blair Witch cast members who came forward to speak about their experiences, including concerns that their pay did not match the film’s massive success. He writes,
Thank you also to @adambvaryplus and @lisettevoytko for reporting on our story in @variety and @forbes respectively and bringing attention to this on a national level. And a deep, deep thank you to @lizzknightt for helping us find a path for our voices.
He also takes a moment to thank his co-star Joshua Leonard, stating,
I’m most deeply grateful for my dear friend @thejoshualeonard for his continued advocacy and assertiveness coupled with his own sensibility about what it means to listen. You’re a literal gem, brother.
Williams adds that Lionsgate and Blumhouse “did listen” and hints that he may be involved in what comes next for the franchise.
In a world where it increasingly seems as though no one listens to one another any longer, I’m beyond grateful to report that @lionsgate and @itsjasonblum (@blumhouse) actually did listen. While I won’t get into the details, I can say that after 26 years, I finally feel like a valued contributor to the world of The Blair Witch Project (though, in fairness, you fans have always made me feel that way!) and I truly appreciate these folks hearing us out and coming to the table. They proved to be thoughtful and responsive to our concerns and it is important to me to acknowledge this with public gratitude and appreciation towards them.
I am excited for what’s to come next in the Blair Witch universe. I’ve found the map and we’re definitely moving forward.
Even though no one really asked for it, a new Blair Witch movie is officially on the way, backed by Lionsgate, Blumhouse, and Roy Lee. The announcement came last year, with Jason Blum sharing his excitement about the project. He drew a comparison between the original 1999 film and his own breakout success, Paranormal Activity, saying,
I don’t think there would have been a Paranormal Activity had there not first been a Blair Witch, so this feels like a truly special opportunity, and I’m excited to see where it leads.
But the real question is, do we actually need another Blair Witch Project sequel? The franchise has already seen two very different follow-ups, both of which received mixed reactions from fans. While younger audiences may not be familiar with the late ’90s found footage craze, the original film’s power came from what it didn’t show. It became iconic by keeping the threat hidden — a storytelling approach echoed in the sequel Book of Shadows: Blair Witch 2. However, this subtlety was dropped in 2016’s Blair Witch, which gave viewers a glimpse of the “monster.”
Today, with films often treated like content and attention spans shrinking, reviving The Blair Witch Project is a bold move. Still, Jason Blum has built a strong reputation with horror fans. If anyone can make this reboot work, it’s him, and maybe he’ll remind audiences that old-school horror can still make you want to cover your eyes.
Source: Instagram