In brief
Robin Hardy had always intended his 1973 horror classic The Wicker Man to be the first of a trilogy, but his death in 2016 left the third film unfinished. Justin and Dominic Hardy, his eldest and second-born sons, found a hidden archive containing a script and storyboard for the lost sequence, allowing them to complete the trilogy as Wrath of the Gods. The film premiered at FrightFest in London, intertwining Viking and Shetland mythic themes with a new story about a grieving widow confronting ancient island lore. A powerful tribute to their father, the project brings to light his original vision and the enduring legacy of the Wicker Man franchise.
Robin Hardy had always envisaged his iconic 1973 folk‑horror film The Wicker Man as the first part of a trilogy. The 2011 sequel, The Wicker Tree, advanced the plot, yet the final installment was left unfinished when Hardy passed away in 2016 at the age of 86.
Now, his sons Justin (Director, BAFTA‑nominated) and Dominic (Art historian) have brought the trilogy to fruition after unearthed family archives produced a script for the long‑gone third film. FrightFest in London opened the doors for the premiere of Wrath of the Gods, putting the Hardy legacy in the spotlight.
The archive also revealed the story of the family's original plan: a theme park around an extinct Icelandic volcano that would erupt in Norse myth. The Hardy brothers adapted this concept into a narrative about a grieving widow returning to the island of Hel to bury her husband, only to find the community’s ancient myths coming to life, and children going missing on the island. The film melds Shetland’s rugged landscape with Viking lore, creating a haunting, atmospheric atmosphere.
Filming began in early 2025 on the Shetland islands, starring Game of Thrones and Rose of Nevada actor Francis Magee and Norwegian actress Christiane Schaldemose, with local talent filling supporting roles. Crew testimonials highlighted the authentic setting and the grueling shooting schedule, which involved creating rain and wind on sunny days to match the script’s demands.
While the crew looked forward to celebrating the debut, the sudden death of Justin Hardy last month at 61 profoundly impacted the team. Commenting on the premiere’s significance, one crew member said, “It’s not just a celebration of the film; it’s a celebration of Justin and his life.” The film is also dedicated to their mother, Caroline, who was an uncredited executive producer for the original 1973 release, acknowledging her loss in 1984.
