In the 1980s, America was powerless to resist the charms of Australia. Between all the koalas, Kylies and film projects of varying quality, it was an exciting time for Aussie pop culture in the States and at the novelty shop of the local mall. In 2018, a mysterious (and vaguely suspicious) trailer has dropped based off of America’s ’80s Aussie love affair. I don’t know if it’s “real,” but it sure as Silverchair teases a world where Danny f*cking McBride is the long-lost son of Crocodile Dundee.
Without much warning or fanfare, a teaser for Dundee: The Son of a Legend Returns Home has bubbled up online with McBride playing the titular son of a legend. He does a bit of knifeplay to drive home the Dundee connection and that’s mainly it with a summer 2018 arrival date being teased for the project. Here’s the synopsis being offered up by the official website.
Crocodile Dundee is back. Well, actually, he’s missing in the Outback. And the only person who might be able to find him is the loudmouthed American son no-one knew he had. Introducing Danny McBride as Brian Dundee. This son of a legend is forced to channel his Aussie roots as he embarks on the ultimate adventure in the land down under. It’s time to live up to the family name.
Let’s get right to it, shall we? There’s something suspect about this teaser. Why would a surprise Crocodile Dundee sequel/reboot of all things be kept under wraps with Cloverfield type secrecy? Are Rimfire Films (the original Dundee production company) and Screen Australia the only major producing partners for the movie? Is this official promotional photo a goof?
Both McBride and franchise star Paul Hogan told People the project is totally real.
“Crocodile Dundee is a film that has stood the test of time,” Hogan told People. “It was a defining moment in my life and one of my proudest accomplishments. Throughout the past few years, I’ve been thinking about how to bring Dundee to a new generation. I’m excited to introduce the new Crocodile Dundee to the world and look forward to sharing more news about those involved very soon.”
Essentially, we have two scenarios before us. Either Dundee is indeed a very real movie where Danny McBride is trying to be his own brand of Australian hero or this is a very elaborate faux trailer meant to tie into something else. I’m far more intrigued by the former. McBride bringing his unique comedic sensibilities to a time capsule franchise? Let that bulletproof tiger into the Outback, we say! Just leave the franchise’s homophobia in the past, please.
