Wicker Man sequel director Justin Hardy dies aged 61
British filmmaker Justin Hardy, known for his work on the Wicker Man franchise and various historical documentaries, has died at age 61. He had recently completed his final film, Wrath of the Gods.
Why it matters
Hardy was a respected figure in British television and film, contributing significantly to both documentary and horror genres.
Image source, PA Media By Yang Tian Published 2 August 2026, 02:14 BST British filmmaker Justin Hardy, who directed a sequel to his late father Robin's 1973 cult horror classic The Wicker Man, has died aged 61.
His family said Hardy died on Friday night after suffering a heart attack, remembering him as "a man of family, of boundless creativity" and "so full of life right to the end".
A Bafta and Emmy nominated writer and director, Hardy was known for the documentary Children of the Wicker Man in 2024, made with his brother Dominic, which chronicled the legacy of their father's iconic film.
He had just completed production on Wrath of the Gods, the concluding chapter to the Wicker Man trilogy, which was due to premiere in London later this month.
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