Director Corin Hardy says exiting his “dream project,” “The Crow” reboot, was “the hardest decision” after coming “so close” to crafting the perfect film.

“I knew from the off, that the idea of making a new version of ‘The Crow’ was never going to be for everyone, because it is a beloved film,” Hardy posted on Instagram on Friday. “And I say that as someone in love with it myself. But I poured everything I had into the last 3.5 years of work, to try & create something which honoured what the Crow stood for; from James O’Barr’s affecting graphic novel, to Alex Proyas’s original movie, with great respect to Brandon Lee and with the desire to make something bold and new, that myself, as an obsessive fan, could be proud of.”

He added, “And with @prideofgypsies Jason Momoa, and my amazing team of artists & film-makers, we came SO close. But sometimes, when you love something so much, you have to make hard decisions. And yesterday, deciding it was time to let go of this dark & emotional dream project, was the hardest decision of all.”

Also Read: Sony's 'The Crow' Reboot Gets 2019 Release Date

On Thursday, it was reported that Hardy and Momoa were exiting Sony’s remake, although production was set to begin in the next few weeks in Budapest. Sony was to release the film on October 11, 2019.

Momoa also took to Instagram to comment on his exit, writing, “I’ve waited 8 years to play this dream role. I love you @corinhardy and @sonypictures unfortunately I may have to wait 8 more. Not our team. But I swear I will. James O’Barr sorry to let you down I won’t on the next. 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. Love u Corin aloha j.”

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“Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever,” Hardy concluded in his post.

See his Instagram post below.