While the filmmakers and studio originally intended to create a substantially different film to the first one (out of respect for Brandon Lee), Miramax ordered the film to be re-edited so as to resemble the earlier one as much as possible. Tim Pope refused and he, along with David S. Goyer, eventually disowned the film, as it did not represent their vision.
Wanting to avoid comparisons with The Crow (1994) and Brandon Lee, David S. Goyer originally intended to have the character of Sarah return as a female crow.
Eager to make a film that wouldn't upset the fanbase, Tim Pope and David S. Goyer went to various Crow messageboards and asked the fans what they would and wouldn't like in a sequel. The unanimous verdict was that they wanted it to be respectful of Brandon Lee's death and tell its own story.
James O'Barr attempted to write the script himself, but all he could think about was his deceased friend, Brandon Lee. He eventually told Tim Pope that he couldn't do it, but gave his blessing, as long as it was its own story.
While working on the film, David S. Goyer was also writing the script for Dark City (1998), which was directed by The Crow (1994)'s director Alex Proyas.