The Blair Witch Project star reveals the real reason they’re not in the reboot
Original The Blair Witch Project star Heather Donahue is skipping the new reboot — and she explains exactly why, even as several 1999 castmates return. Here’s what’s keeping her out while the franchise gears back up.
Let’s talk Blair Witch, shall we? With the found footage horror classic gearing up for the reboot treatment in 2027, you’d think you’d see most of the feverish original cast back on board, right? Well, not quite. One crucial face (and voice) from the infamous 1999 woodlands panic-attack isn’t signing up. I’m talking about Heather Donahue—though these days, she goes by Rei Hance. She’s officially noped out of the new film, and she’s actually bothered to explain why. It’s not quite the simple 'I’m moving on' you might expect.
Who’s Back, Who’s Not (and Why It Matters)
Before we get into the details, quick check: Yes, some of the original crew are involved. Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams (the other two doomed campers) are coming back, but in executive producer roles. Alongside them are the original Blair Witch creators—Eduardo Sánchez, Daniel Myrick, and Gregg Hale—also producing. You might think there’d be some sort of original-cast reunion in front of the camera. That’s not on the cards, at least not for Rei Hance.
What’s Actually Going On with Rei Hance?
After a fair bit of online confusion—some deliberate, if you believe her—Rei cleared things up in a statement (picked up by Bloody Disgusting):
'There seems to be some willful confusion about my involvement with the reboot. I want to clarify that I am not participating.'
She said she’s had more than one offer to return for Blair Witch follow-ups. It’s not a case of being snubbed. Instead, she reckons the legal and practical terms are a bit dodgy. According to her, the agreement she was offered raised some real questions for her—long-term rights over her likeness and voice, how her identity might get used with technology down the road, even her ability to talk freely about the whole thing (plus compensation, naturally).
In her own words:
'Ultimately, it just wasn’t something I felt comfortable signing. I genuinely wish everyone involved well. But preserving my autonomy mattered more to me.'
The State of the Blair Witch Reboot
- Director: Dylan Clark
- Release window: Set for 2027
- Original cast returning: Joshua Leonard, Michael C. Williams (executive producers only)
- Original creators: Eduardo Sánchez, Daniel Myrick, Gregg Hale (executive producers)
- Original lead Heather Donahue/Rei Hance: Not involved, citing concerns over rights, tech use, speech restrictions, and pay
- Original film’s tally: Budget $600,000, box office $248 million globally, according to The Numbers
If you were hoping for all three campers in the reboot, you’ll have to make do without Rei Hance. Whether or not her decision signals a wider trend among actors wary of contracts these days, it’s clear she values her autonomy over a spot in Blair Witch’s next act.