Filmmaker Taika Waititi said he does not feel the death of his friend and fellow actor Sam Neill is the end of things, adding: "I'll see him in a bit."
Neill, famed for his role in the Jurassic Park franchise, died aged 78 in July, months after announcing he was cancer-free following treatment for an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The actor was a frequent collaborator with Waititi, with whom he developed a close bond, particularly over their shared New Zealand roots, after the two appeared in Hunt for the Wilderpeople together.
Reflection on Friendship
Waititi reflected on the recent death of Neill while attending an event in London on Thursday to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Hunt for the Wilderpeople. He told the Press Association: "We had a great time with Sam – I think it was in March – where we had the 10-year anniversary screenings in New Zealand. Got to hang out with him then, and we kept in touch since then. I've had a lot of good times with him, and there's no regrets on my part."
"I see death in a very different way to other people," Waititi continued. "It's sad that I don't get to chat with my friend or hang out, but I'll see him in a bit. I don't feel like any of this is the end of things."
Fond Memories
Waititi also reflected on his fond memories with Neill during the filmmaking process, saying: "He was just chilled about everything. Everyone's stressing out: Will we make our day? The sun's going down. Can we get this shot? The guy's done Jurassic Park, The Piano, Event Horizon, Omen 3. He's been around so long, doing so many things… Nothing phased him. I was grateful to have someone who was just calm around me. He put things in perspective."
Waititi wore a casual ensemble consisting of a white T-shirt and black jeans to the event, and was flanked by his co-stars Rachel House and Julian Dennison.
Legacy
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is renowned as Waititi's breakout hit, and follows a young boy who runs away from home to the wilderness where he is joined by his cantankerous uncle, played by Neill. Oscar-winning filmmaker Waititi has since appeared in projects such as Thor: Ragnarok, Jojo Rabbit and What We Do in the Shadows, and is known for his comedic and unique storytelling.
