Stan has revealed that Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang, an epic fictionalised re-telling of the life and upbringing of legendary Australian bushranger Ned Kelly, will join Stan’s line up of original Australian productions and will premiere in cinemas and on Stan this summer.
The cast features BAFTA award-winner George MacKay (Captain Fantastic), Oscar-winner Russell Crowe (Stan’s The Loudest Voice), Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road), Essie Davis (The Babadook), Thomasin McKenzie (Jojo Rabbit) Claudia Karvan (Stan’s The Other Guy), Earl Cave (Born to Kill) and Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy).
Who is who in True History of the Kelly Gang
George MacKay as Ned Kelly
Orlando Schwerdt as young Ned Kelly
Russell Crowe as Harry Power
Nicholas Hoult as Constable Fitzpatrick
Essie Davis as Ellen Kelly
Sean Keenan as Joe Byrne
Jacob Collins-Levy as Thomas Curnow
Thomasin McKenzie as Mary
Charlie Hunnam as Sergeant O’Neill
Claudia Karvan as Ms Shelton
Inspired by Peter Carey’s Man Booker prize-winning novel of the same name, True History of the Kelly Gang was written for the screen by Shaun Grant and directed by Justin Kurzel – who last collaborated on the acclaimed Australian murder mystery Snowtown, winning six AACTA Awards, including Best Direction and Best Screenplay.
Spanning the younger years of Ned Kelly’s life leading up to the time of his death, the film explores the blurred boundaries between good and evil and the motivations behind the demise of the infamous outlaw – with a fractured love story between mother and son resting at the beating heart of this tragic tale.
Justin Kurzel, director and producer said: “I am thrilled in the boldness and daring by Stan to embrace our ambitious film. For Australians to see our take on Peter Carey’s extraordinary book in cinemas and on Stan over the summer is very exciting. I hope as many eyes as possible get the opportunity to see a film the makers are deeply proud of.”
Graeme Mason CEO Screen Australia said: “True History of the Kelly Gang is a remarkable and often surprising film, with enthralling performances expertly captured by Kurzel. After the stellar TIFF world premiere, I’m really looking forward to Australians being able to enjoy this home-grown story.”
Nick Forward, Stan’s chief content officer said: “The story of Ned Kelly has become a quintessential part of Australian culture and Justin’s ambitious new take, combined with a standout cast of award-winning Australian and international performers, is guaranteed to get people talking.”
True History of the Kelly Gang is a Stan Original Film produced by Porchlight Films and Daybreak Pictures with major production investment from Screen Australia, La Cinefacture and Film4 in association with Film Victoria, Asia Film Investment Group and Memento Films International. Memento Films International are handling worldwide sales of the film.