John Jarratt, the actor who terrified a nation with his portrayal of outback serial killer Mick Taylor, has revealed a striking new appearance as he prepares to reprise his most infamous role.
A Softer Side to a Horror Icon
The 73-year-old star, whose career began in 1975, recently appeared in a social media post looking markedly different from his murderous on-screen persona. Posing cheerfully alongside fellow actor Shane Withington, Jarratt sported a full head of white hair and a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard, complete with reading glasses.
Withington joked in the caption, "Now who would you rather go camping with?" – a clear nod to Jarratt's character, who has haunted the Australian psyche since the first 'Wolf Creek' film in 2005.
Return to the Outback for 'Wolf Creek: Legacy'
This new look coincides with the actor's confirmed return for the next chapter in the chilling franchise, titled 'Wolf Creek: Legacy'. Jarratt will once again embody the ruthless Mick Taylor, joining a cast that includes 'It Chapter Two' actor Jay Ryan and 'Late Night with the Devil' star Laura Gordon.
The film will be directed by Sean Lahiff, who previously served as an editor on 'Wolf Creek 2'. The new slasher instalment is scheduled to hit cinemas later this year.
Jarratt's Blunt Critique of Australian Cinema
Beyond his upcoming film role, Jarratt made headlines in 2024 for his forthright comments on the state of the Australian film industry. In a radio interview on Triple M Brisbane's The Rush Hour, the veteran actor launched a broadside at Hollywood-bound Australian stars and big-budget superhero films.
"Well, it's gone to America, hasn't it?" he stated bluntly. He specifically mentioned the Hemsworth brothers, Chris and Liam, questioning when they last used their native accents on screen. "Not very often," he concluded.
Jarratt went further, criticising the dominance of superhero blockbusters: "So we've got to get Australian films back up and start using Australians, and someone's got to ban Spandex movies." When humorously asked to choose between a superhero film and a soap opera, he quipped about the financial incentive, saying, "if I've got to sell my soul it's a lot more money."
Despite his critique, Jarratt remains active in Australian productions, recently appearing in the gangster film 'Double or Nothing'. His distinguished career includes iconic early roles in Peter Weir's 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', 'The Odd Angry Shot', and 'We of the Never Never'.
As he transforms back into Mick Taylor for 'Wolf Creek: Legacy', Jarratt continues to be a formidable and outspoken figure in Australian entertainment, championing local stories even as he prepares to unleash fresh horror upon a new generation.
