Hunt for the Wilderpeople: Taika Waititi on 10 years since his Kiwi classic was released
Julian Dennison and Sam Neill in Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which is being re-released for its 10th anniversary.
When was released in 2016, director Taika Waititi expected it to resonate with audiences in New Zealand, but was unsure whether it would appeal to viewers overseas. The adventure comedy, which follows a rebellious city boy placed in foster care with a warm-hearted rural couple, went on to become the highest-grossing New Zealand film of all time.
The film stars Maori actor Julian Dennison as Ricky Baker, alongside Rima Te Wiata as the eccentric and caring Aunt Bella, and Sam Neill as the quiet, cantankerous Uncle Hec.
When tragedy strikes, Ricky finds himself on the run with Hec through the rugged New Zealand bush. As a relentless nationwide manhunt, led by an overzealous child welfare officer played by Rachel House, closes in, the unlikely pair are forced to put aside their differences in a hilarious and heartfelt adventure.
To mark the film’s 10th anniversary, a newly restored 4K version will return to select cinemas before becoming available on digital platforms, giving audiences the chance to experience Waititi’s beloved classic in stunning new detail.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Waititi, who also directed , and , says remains one of the most enjoyable filmmaking experiences of his career.
“Like my children, I’m equally proud of all of them,” says the 50-year-old New Zealand director. “But is probably the one I had the most fun making. It really felt like a family making the film.
“Everyone got on so well, and I was just happy to be there. I didn’t want it to end. With some films, you’re relieved when they’re finished, but I could have kept going. We could probably still be shooting it now.”
Despite its local setting, Waititi admits he never expected the film to become an international success.
“I knew people in New Zealand would like it, but I always thought it would be a small film that would fly a little under the radar. I figured I’d make it, have something to do that year, and then move on. But it became its own thing. It took on a life of its own and really took off, which made me incredibly happy. I still look at the poster with a lot of fondness and love for the film, the experience, and everyone who was part of it.”
As Waititi reflects on the film a decade after its release, he also remembers his friend and collaborator Sam Neill, who died aged 78 in July. Neill, best known for his roles in the franchise, died months after announcing he was cancer-free following treatment for an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
“I think some of my fondest memories from making this film with Sam were teasing him about his career,” Waititi smiles.
“We all know the great films he’s done, but I used to get a lot of joy out of bringing up some of his more obscure roles.
“I’m obsessed with . He plays Damien. It’s not a great film, but he’s fantastic in it. I remember seeing it as a kid, and that image of him really stuck with me. I’d also ask him about films like . I was always bringing that one up.
“But Sam had a way of making everyone feel at ease. He was incredibly kind to everyone on set. He and Julian had a fantastic relationship too. They really hit it off, and you can believe that bond on screen because it was so genuine in real life.”
was also praised for the natural way it celebrated Maori culture and showcased performers such as Dennison and House.
“It’s nice to know I’ve had some part in that. But I really feel Julian was destined to do something great with or without me. He just shone,” says Waititi.
“The first time I met him, there was something about him. The camera loves him. You call ‘action’ and he just turns it on. He’s a born performer. The same goes for Rachel.
“My favourite thing is working with my friends. I like working with the same people whenever I can because there’s a shorthand, a comfort level, and it just makes the whole experience more fun.
“I didn’t get into filmmaking to put myself through torture or to make films that feel like work. I know some people thrive on the pain and agony of making a movie, but I just want it to be fun. It’s not a real job.”
On casting Dennison, Waititi says: “He wasn’t really acting. I don’t even know if I’d say he’s a great actor, he’s great at being himself.
“There were some really beautiful emotional moments in the film that I wasn’t sure he’d be able to pull off. But when we got to them, he absolutely delivered.
“When I’m casting children, or people who haven’t acted much before, the most important thing is finding someone who can be themselves.
“It takes the pressure off trying to become a character. I’ll often adjust the script and the character I’ve written to suit the person I’ve cast, and that’s exactly what we did with Julian.”
Reflecting on the film’s comedic appeal, Waititi says: “I still laugh when I watch it. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but I laugh the hardest at my own scene. That character was based on a real speech, a sermon I overheard at an actual funeral. I remember watching the minister deliver it and thinking it was so funny.
“There’s still so much I enjoy about the film. I love the Terminator moment, and when I think about it, the whole movie is really just a collection of references to my favourite films and bits of pop culture. That’s something I tend to do in all my films.”
On New Zealand humour, he adds: “We really embrace the boringness of life. I often describe it as the comedy of the mundane.
“In British comedies, very little happens. In New Zealand comedy, it’s like nothing happens, and we find that hilarious. There’s not much to do in New Zealand, especially when you’re growing up in the suburbs, so you end up finding humour in the dumbest, most ordinary things. I think that’s really at the heart of how we make comedy.”
- The 10th anniversary 4K restoration of arrives in select cinemas and on digital platforms on Friday, August 7.
