Jono, Ben & Megan - The Podcast

Hunt for the Wilderpeople: A Decade Later

·6 min
The episode begins by announcing the 10th anniversary of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which is returning to select cinemas. Hosts Jono, Ben, and Megan introduce guests Rhys Darby, Rachel House, and Oscar Kightley, all stars of the film. They note the movie's status as New Zealand's highest-grossing local film and discuss the rarity of celebrating such successes in the country. The hosts ask when the guests last watched the film, revealing none have seen it in years, with Rhys Darby joking it would be a nightmare to revisit. Conversation shifts to the guests' careers over the past decade, including Rhys Darby's animated cameos and Oscar Kightley's involvement in the new Jumanji film. They touch on working with Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and his intense workout routines. The discussion returns to Hunt for the Wilderpeople, with Rhys Darby explaining he wasn't originally cast but joined last-minute after helping as a script doctor and acting coach. Rachel House and Oscar Kightley mention they had to audition, contrasting with Darby's experience. Rhys Darby describes his character Psycho Sam as based on himself, joking that marriage saved him from becoming a bush-dwelling conspiracy theorist. The hosts then ask each guest for their biggest personal or professional highlight from the last 10 years. Rhys Darby cites working on the TV series Our Flag Means Death and its second season filmed in New Zealand. Rachel House humorously deflects, sticking to Hunt for the Wilderpeople despite her other projects like Moana and Minecraft. Oscar Kightley shares that becoming a dad six years ago is his top moment, ending the episode on a heartwarming note. The tone is light and conversational, with banter about bush survival and film nostalgia throughout.
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