The short version
- Justin and Dominic Hardy completed their father Robin Hardy's intended film trilogy after discovering a long-lost archive containing scripts and storyboards.
- The new film, Wrath of the Gods, shifts the setting to Shetland and features an original story about a grieving widow ostracized by her community.
- The project addresses the complex personal history surrounding The Wicker Man, which bankrupted its director and strained family relationships.
A long-dormant cinematic ambition has finally reached completion following the unexpected recovery of archival materials belonging to Robin Hardy, the director behind the 1973 folk horror classic The Wicker Man. Hardy had always envisioned his seminal work as the opening chapter of a trilogy, a plan that remained unfinished at his death in 2016. His sons, Justin and Dominic Hardy, have now realized this final installment, titled Wrath of the Gods, which is set to premiere at the FrightFest horror festival in London.
The path to production began with a serendipitous discovery by the new owner of Justin Hardy’s former family home. The buyer found six sacks of letters, scripts, and other documents related to Robin Hardy and his films stored in an attic. Although the brothers initially hesitated, leaving the materials unopened for over six months, they ultimately decided against discarding them. This decision unlocked the original source material necessary to move forward with their father’s unrealized vision.
The recovered archive provided crucial context for the trilogy’s conclusion, including a script for Wrath of the Gods and notes on its conceptual origins. Robin Hardy had conceived the idea after a medical emergency forced him to land in Reykjavik. During his recuperation week, he developed a premise involving a theme park built around an extinct volcano in Iceland, where Norse deities stir up chaos. He later adjusted the setting to Shetland to maintain thematic consistency with the earlier entries in the series.
While the original concept involved Viking mythology and divine retribution, Justin and Dominic Hardy crafted a distinct narrative for the final film. The story centers on a young widow who returns to the island of Hel to bury her husband following his suicide. She faces rejection from the local community, which views her as an omen of misfortune. As children begin to disappear, the islanders are compelled to confront their own complicated past and collective guilt.
The production process involved extensive collaboration between the two brothers, who worked through the newly unearthed documents to shape the film. Justin Hardy, an Emmy and BAFTA-nominated director, partnered with Dominic, an art historian based in Montreal. Their effort represents not just a creative endeavor but also a reconciliation with their father’s legacy. The Wicker Man cast a long shadow over the family, contributing to financial ruin and personal estrangement that Robin Hardy left behind.
Filming took place in Shetland during the spring of 2025, utilizing local talent alongside established actors. Francis Magee, known for roles in Game of Thrones and Rose of Nevada, stars as the lead, opposite Norwegian actress Christiane Schaldemose. The remainder of the cast was drawn from the local community, including Lynsey Rendall, who plays Magee’s on-screen wife. Rendall described the opportunity to participate in such a culturally significant franchise as a profound honor.
The production conditions were rigorous, with shooting occurring daily in Voe over an intense six-week period. Cast members noted that the experience was far from glamorous but offered unique professional rewards. John Haswell, who portrayed the sleazy Reverend Knox, cited the role as a career highlight. Young actress Martha Robertson, who was studying for her Highers during filming, found the project helped launch her acting career despite challenging weather conditions.
The completion of Wrath of the Gods offers a chance to reframe the narrative surrounding The Wicker Man franchise. The original 1973 film was produced during a crisis in the British film industry, with financial backers struggling and stars like Christopher Lee working without pay. Its troubled production mirrored the personal turmoil it caused for Hardy, who abandoned his first wife and left her with significant debts. This new chapter allows the family to address those historical complexities while honoring the director’s artistic intent.
As the film prepares for its festival debut, it stands as a testament to the enduring impact of The Wicker Man on British cinema. Once buried as a second feature and subjected to competing edits, the original movie grew into a cult favorite celebrated for its unsettling tone and powerful performances. The trilogy’s completion marks a significant moment for horror fans and film historians alike, bridging the gap between past controversies and present-day artistic resolution.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC News↗Wicker Man director's sons complete their late father's film trilogy
