Wicker Man director’s sons complete their late father’s film trilogy
BBC News, 23 August 2026
Robin Hardy always envisioned The Wicker Man (1973) as the first part of a trilogy. While The Wicker Tree (2011) brought him closer to this dream, his death in 2016 left the project incomplete. Now, his sons, Justin and Dominic, have finished their father’s vision with Wrath of the Gods, premiering at London’s FrightFest horror festival on Friday.
This development was made possible through a surprising discovery: long-lost family archive found in Justin’s old home. The archive included scripts, storyboards, and papers related to The Wicker Man, shedding light on the film’s unique place in British cinema history.
The Wicker Man is celebrated for its disturbing tone and Christopher Lee’s acclaimed performance, but its production was plagued by financial troubles. Despite these challenges, it gained a cult following, influencing numerous horror fans and filmmakers alike.
The recently unearthed materials also revealed details about Robin Hardy’s inspiration for the third film, Wrath of the Gods. According to Dominic, their father had a significant heart episode while flying, leading him to propose the final chapter in the trilogy.
"He had been in an airplane and… had a turn because his heart medication wasn’t working," recalls Dominic. "He had to land in Reykjavik and spend time recovering."
