
Jason Momoa — known to Stargate Atlantis fans as the gruff Ronon Dex — has exited the remake of the 1994 flick The Crow, along with director Corin Hardy.
Momoa was slated to play the leading role in the film — which he originally boarded in the fall of 2016.
“James O’Barr, sorry to let you down, I won’t on the next,” Momoa wrote on Instagram last week.
O’Barr created the original The Crow graphic novel in 1989, and has since amassed a cult following. The remake is said to be tonally loyal to O’Barr’s source material.
“This film needs to be set free. And to the fans: Sorry. I can’t play anything but what this film deserves and it needs love. I’m ready when it’s right.”
The story follows “a rock musician who is revived from the dead to avenge his own death as well as the rape and murder of his fiancée.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, financial issues between Sony Pictures and the remake’s producer, Samuel Hadida, caused the project to fall apart.

Momoa would have played Eric Draven, originally portrayed in the 1994 film by Brandon Lee.
The remake is not alone in its production difficulties, either. The original film — directed by Alex Proyas — resulted in the death of leading man Brandon Lee due to an accident on set. The film managed to complete production using a body double, clever editing, and state-of-the-art visual effects.
Momoa, however, was undeterred by any superstition surrounding The Crow.
“I’ve waited 8 years to play this dream role,” he said. “I love you @corinhardy and @sonypictures. Unfortunately I may have to wait 8 more.”
In the meantime, the breakout Stargate Atlantis star can be seen in this December’s big-screen superhero flick Aquaman — which is said to have tested positively in early screenings. Momoa can also be found in the Netflix period drama The Frontier, which has been renewed for a third season.