The Wicker Man sequel director Justin Hardy – son of the original Wicker Man director Robin – has died weeks before the film’s premiere.
The BBC reports that the filmmaker and writer died aged 61 due to a heart attack on Friday. Hardy’s family said they were “devastated” to share the news in a statement, describing him as “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,” the statement continues. “He was a man of family, of boundless creativity and of devotion for everyone he held dear.”
Hardy’s Wrath Of The Gods – the second sequel to The Wicker Man – is scheduled to premiere at horror film festival FrightFest on 28 August in London. He also directed the first sequel, 2011’s The Wicker Tree. See tributes to Hardy down below:
We're deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Justin Hardy whose latest film, Wrath of the Gods is playing at Tubi FrightFest this August. Justin is best known for his documentary celebrating the legacy of his father Robin Hardy's iconic work. Our heartfelt condolences to his… pic.twitter.com/1XXmARxTda
— FrightFest (@FrightFest) August 3, 2026
We’re shocked and saddened by news of the unexpected passing of Justin Hardy at the age of 61. Director of A FEAST AT MIDNIGHT as well as co-director of CHILDREN OF THE WICKER MAN and co-author of the book of the same name, pic.twitter.com/6OXixyzAqq
— Severin Films (@SeverinFilms) August 2, 2026
When I was 17 I had my first job as an extra on City of Vice, directed by Justin. Lovely bloke. It was only years later I learnt he was son of Robin Hardy when I was watching a Wicker Man documentary. Rest in Power Justin. https://t.co/uUaZu77lN4
— Daniel Cause (@Daniel_Cause) August 3, 2026
