The contemporary remake of beloved 1976 Australian family drama Storm Boy has cemented its connection to the original with news that David Gulpilil will appear in the film.
Storm Boy, now in production in South Australia, stars Geoffrey Rush and Jai Courtney and retells the events of a boy’s transformative relationship with an injured pelican, from the present day. Rush plays Mike “Storm Boy” Kingley as an adult, who relays his boyhood experience to his granddaughter.
Gulpilil found fame playing Fingerbone Bill, the protector of both Storm Boy and his pelican, and famously recalled a dreamtime legend of the pelican through dance (pictured, top). 40 years on, Gulpilil will appear in a cameo role in the new film, as Fingerbone Bill’s own father.
Ambience Entertainment producer Michael Boughen said of the casting:“David is an Australian cinema icon and exceptional performer. The day he came on set was truly inspirational for everyone and I am just so grateful he agreed to play the role.”
Storm Boy is being directed by Shawn Seet and will blend CGI, 3d animation and live footage to tell the story of Mr Percival the pelican. It is due for release in 2018 through Studiocanal.
Watch David Gulpilil in 'Crocodile Dreaming' at SBS On Demand
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