Wolf Creek (franchise)
Australian horror franchise about the Outback Killer Mick Taylor.
The Wolf Creek franchise is a series of Australian horror installments centered on the serial killer Mick Taylor, inspired by real-life backpacking murders. It includes two theatrical films, a television series, a legacy sequel in post-production, and two prequel novels. The franchise has gained a cult following and achieved box office success through international ticket sales.
Quick Facts
- Based on
- Characters created by Greg McLean
- Starring
- John Jarratt; Various actors (See below)
- Studio
- Emu Creek Pictures
- Distributor
- Roadshow Films
- Country
- Australia; United States
- Language
- English
- Budget
- >$2,800,000
- Gross
- $45,220,389 (2 films)
Facts from the source article.
Film
English tourists Liz Hunter and Kristy Earl, along with their local friend Ben Mitchell, begin a backpacking trip through Australia. They stop at Wolfe Creek National Park and find their vehicle will not start. A man named Mick Taylor offers to tow them to his camp, but they arrive at an abandoned mining site where he drugs them. Liz awakens tied up in a shed and breaks free, discovering Mick has been following them and possesses vehicles and belongings from other victims. Mick continues his murderous pursuits, targeting a German couple, Rutger Enqvist and Katarina Schmidt, who hitchhike to Wolfe Creek. After Mick murders Rutger and ties up Katarina, making sexual references before strangling her, she awakens to see him dismembering Rutger and flees. She is rescued by English tourist Paul Hammersmith, but Mick pursues them. Mick accidentally kills his desired prey and decides to hunt Paul instead, leading to a series of attempts by the killer to capture him.
Television
The television series continues the plot of the movies, with John Jarratt reprising his role as Mick Taylor. Season one follows American college student Eve Thorogood, who vacations in Australia with her family to cope with drug addiction. Season two centers on Mick realizing his rampage may end as local law enforcement investigates deaths in his area. As Mick kills passengers one by one, he finds their professional backgrounds in military, geology, genetics, building, and forensic psychology challenging. Rebecca rallies survivors to fight back. Critics called the series a worthy successor to the movies.
Literature
Two prequel novels co-authored by Greg McLean and Aaron Sterns were released in 2014 by Penguin Global. They explore Mick Taylor's earlier life, including his attempts to control psychopathic impulses. Events such as witnessing his younger sister's horrific death and his experiences as a military recruit during the Vietnam War contribute to his descent into insanity. The books received positive critical reception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who stars in Wolf Creek (franchise)?
Wolf Creek stars John Jarratt and Various actors (See below).
Who distributed Wolf Creek (franchise)?
Wolf Creek was distributed by Roadshow Films.
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