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Justin Hardy, director of Wicker Man sequel, dies three weeks before its premiere

Source: The Guardian Published Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:54:06 GMT
Justin Hardy, director of Wicker Man sequel, dies three weeks before its premiere

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Hardy, a Bafta-nominated film-maker, has died aged 61, having completed a sequel to the cult 1973 folk-horror made by his father Robin Hardy</p><p>British film-maker Justin Hardy, the son of The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy, has died aged 61. He had recently completed Wrath of the Gods, a second sequel to the fondly regarded folk-horror film, inspired by a story idea discovered in his father’s archives.</p><p>In a statement, the director’s family said they are “devastated to share that Justin Hardy passed away [on Friday]. He was so full of life right to the end, and incredibly energised to be working towards premiering his latest film this month. We are all so proud of him and heartbroken he won’t be with us at his premiere. He was a man of family, of boundless creativity and of devotion for everyone he held dear.” <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgwj0wnyydo">The BBC reported</a> Hardy died after a heart attack.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/aug/03/justin-hardy-director-wicker-man-sequel-dies-before-premiere">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.

Hardy, a Bafta-nominated film-maker, has died aged 61, having completed a sequel to the cult 1973 folk-horror made by his father Robin HardyBritish film-maker Justin Hardy, the son of The Wicker Man director Robin Hardy, has died aged 61. He had recently completed Wrath of the Gods, a second sequel to the fondly regarded folk-horror film, inspired by a story idea discovered in his father’s archives.In a statement, the director’s family said they are “devastated to share that Justin Hardy passed away [on Friday]. He was so full of life right to the end, and incredibly energised to be working towards premiering his latest film this month. We are all so proud of him and heartbroken he won’t be with us at his premiere. He was a man of family, of boundless creativity and of devotion for everyone he held dear.” The BBC reported Hardy died after a heart attack. Continue reading...

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