A horror movie franchise that's been dormant for years is getting revived with an all-new reboot. The announcement comes nearly two decades after the original movie's release.
In 2005, the horror movie Wolf Creek was released. Introducing John Jarratt as serial killer Mick Taylor, the film followed British tourists getting stalked by the murderer in the Australian outback. Jarratt returned for a sequel, released in 2013, which saw Mick again targeting tourists who make the mistake of venturing into his territory. From 2016 to 2017, Jarratt would also star as Mick in the Australian TV series, this time focusing on a teen American tourist. There had been rumors ever since of a third movie getting made, and now Deadline has revealed that a new installment of the film series is officially moving forward.
The new film is described as a "reboot," leaving it unclear if and how it may acknowledge the events of the previous movies and TV spinoff. However, it seems likely that the new film will be treated as a legacy sequel, given the return of the star of the franchise along with the movie's title. Jarratt will return once again as Mick Taylor for the film, dubbed Wolf Creek: Legacy. Duncan Samarashingle wrote the screenplay while Sean Lahiff is directing. Greg McLean, who directed the previous films and created the franchise, is back as a producer on Wolf Creek: Legacy.
A Bold New Chapter
“I’ve always believed in the power of fresh perspectives, and that’s why I’m thrilled to introduce Sean Lahiff as the director of Wolf Creek Legacy,” McLean said in a statement. “Sean isn’t just stepping into this world; he’s been a part of it for years. This new chapter in the Wolf Creek saga is something I’m incredibly excited about: it’s a bold new story that honors the roots of the franchise while pushing it into new, uncharted territory.”
Exploring the Psychological Terror
Director Sean Lahiff adds, “I aim to deliver the horror and suspense that fans of the Wolf Creek franchise and wider genre theatre goers expect but to add a new depth to the story. We’re exploring the psychological terror of being hunted, the fear and resilience of these young characters, and the nightmarish quality of the Outback itself. This is a story that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but it will also tap into something deeper – the primal fears that dark fairytales have always played on.”
The Hunt Begins
The only other cast member to be announced at this point is It Chapter Two actor Jay Ryan. Cory Todd Hughes and Adrian Speckert are executive producing.
Plot details have been revealed for the new chapter of the franchise. In this one, American tourists will be at the center of the story. As a reported synopsis says of the film, “When the parents sacrifice themselves to save their children, the kids find themselves alone, lost and hunted in the vast Australian wilderness. Will this fresh prey – two wily, resourceful Zoomers – prove harder for the aging predator to consume?”
The reboot doesn't yet have a premiere date, though horror fans can revisit the previous films on streaming. The original Wolf Creek can currently be streamed for free on Pluto TV, and Wolf Creek 2 is streaming for free on Tubi.
An Outback Icon Returns
The reboot of the Wolf Creek franchise promises to deliver a fresh take on the series, while honoring the franchise’s roots. The return of John Jarratt as Mick Taylor, along with the director’s focus on exploring the psychological terror of being hunted, suggests a thrilling new chapter for the series. The film’s focus on American tourists in the vast Australian outback is a change from the previous movies, and it will be interesting to see how these new characters grapple with Mick Taylor’s deadly game. As the film progresses towards production, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the release date and cast announcements. The return of Mick Taylor and the exploration of the psychological terror of the outback are sure to create a new wave of terror for horror enthusiasts.
