Word raced across the web this week that one of our favorite horror thrillers of recent years, 2005’s WOLF CREEK, would be getting the sequel treatment (see item here). Original writer/director Greg McLean, who also made 2007’s killer crocodile film ROGUE and executive produced the new revenge thriller RED HILL (starring TRUE BLOOD’s Ryan Kwanten; due November 5 from Sony) will continue the bloody adventures of psychopathic bushman Mick Tayler (played to lunatic perfection by John Jarratt) in the follow-up. The talented Aussie filmmaker gives Fango the early scoop on WOLF CREEK 2 below the jump.

FANGORIA: What is the storyline of WOLF CREEK 2? A hint at least…

GREG MCLEAN: It’s based on another true case in Australia, like the first film.

FANG: Will this be bigger, badder and bloodier than the first, following the pattern of most sequels?

MCLEAN: In some ways, yes. But it’s keeping WOLF CREEK’s gritty tone and realistic texture.

FANG: Did you always have a sequel or prequel in mind?

MCLEAN: Always. The goal was to create an Australian horror character that could be the basis for many stories. All of the true story elements just naturally evolved. That’s why at the end of the first film he walks off into the sunset, and we have absolutely no idea about who this guy is. It leaves the audience wondering, who/what/how did this guy come to be? And the ground is set to delve deeper into this character…

FANG: Were you surprised with the international success of the first film?

MCLEAN: Absolutely. Surprised and thrilled that the ideas we were playing with connected pretty powerfully in terms of form, playing with the genre, etc. And the fact it worked all over the world was really amazing as I—and many on the team—had been struggling hard to make our first feature film for many years.

FANG: Is John Jarratt excited to be back, and has he expressed what he’d like his character to do this time?

MCLEAN: Oh yeah, he’s back all right. He read the new script and was like, “When can we start?” We haven’t got into specifics yet, as there’s still some ways to go to getting going, but he can’t wait to get back into it.

FANG: Are the Weinsteins involved at all?

MCLEAN: No.

FANG: When will you shoot, for how long and where?

MCLEAN: Under wraps for the moment, but I know we are heading deep into the Outback this time. And it’s scary out there!

FANG: Do you have a bigger budget for the sequel?

MCLEAN: We will be able to afford a few more lights this time hopefully. On the first movie, we had about six lights. No kidding. And small ones, too.

FANG: Will it be a challenge to top the original?

MCLEAN: Times have changed since the first movie, and audiences have too. So we’re not trying to do the first movie again as there’s no point to that, but the challenge for this film is keeping the best and most original elements of the first film while exploring different kinds of horror, suspense and thrills. And, of course, making it a character study as we go deeper into the mind and psychology of a mass murdering maniac. The WOLF CREEK movies are really “true crime” films in that regard. But the crimes they focus on—which are based on reality—are so insanely terrifying they end up becoming more like monster films. I guess ’cause when it comes to evil, there is no greater monster than mankind. And Mick is one of the baddest monsters out there.

FANG: Any other genre films in the works?

MCLEAN: Yes indeedy. It’s been a hectic time, as I’ve written a really chilling supernatural thriller I want to make right after WOLF CREEK 2. And I’m coming out with my first horror/action graphic novel later this year, which is looking awesome, called DARK CORPS—SECRET BATTLES OF WWII. And, of course, I’ve set up my horror movie company Down Under called Wolf Creek Pictures. The goal is to find and foster great genre filmmakers and help get their movies produced. The first movie I executive produced was RED HILL, which is the baby of an insanely talented guy named Patrick Hughes. You’ll be hearing his name a lot as he’s just made one of the best movies to come out of this country in some time. So we’re off to a good start!

---

MOVIES/TV - Fearful Features