As we reported earlier today, a fan film spinning off of the cult classic Hook is currently trying to get made. And now, it looks like it just might become a reality.
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Bangarang will center on the character Rufio, who was the leader of the Lost Boys in the original 1990 film. The film’s Kickstarter page says that the project will serve as both a prequel and a sequel to the original, giving backstory to Rufio before the events of Hook.
After news of the project made the rounds on the Internet, Bangarang received the remainder of its desired budget, with almost $4,000 extra. The project still has almost a month left on Kickstarter, so feel free to donate if you haven’t already.
With the center of Bangarang being a Filipino teen, it makes perfect sense that the Internet has rallied behind it. Aside from the cult following that Hook has acquired in the years since its release, it also signals a positive step in terms of diversity. Asian representation in mainstream media has only begun to positively increase in recent years, thanks to shows such as Fresh Off The Boat and movies like Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. While Bangarang will ultimately be released a short film, its popularity – which is only expected to increase – will hopefully not go unnoticed to studios.
Dante Basco played Rufio in the original film, and later became known for lending his voice to television series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and American Dragon: Jake Long. In the description on the film’s Kickstarter, he echoed the importance of the fan film, and why he has the desire to make it in the first place.
“In a world of endless sequels, prequels, and reboots – we feel Bangarang holds a unique place. Sure, it draws off a popular studio film, and billion dollar property (Peter Pan), but the key for us is that this movie is a social commentary on the current world climate. We are taking a beloved character out of his comfort zone.
This is an underdog, coming-of-age film in all the best ways. It’s the story of a under represented group of heroes – bullied because they’re different, and nothing more (such as Roofus, who comes from a immigrant family) – who won’t let their villains get in the way of destiny. We think there’s a hunger for good storytelling and strong execution, as well as fun original characters. With Bangarang, we plan to do just that.”
The project is offering several different rewards for those who donate, ranging from autographed photos to an executive producer credit in the film. So if you want to chip in to help make Bangarang even more awesome, be sure to visit their Kickstarter.
Roofus is a 13-year-old kid who is destined to be more than he is. After his mother is forced to put him into a foster home, he and his rag-tag group of best friends – a Jamaican boy named Julani and a bright-eyed Latina force of nature named Ella – find a way for Roofus to escape his ill fate, find his happy thought and fulfill his destiny.
