Thundercat Productions and crybaby have announced Australian actor and radio personality Yaz Haddad will be starring in the lead role of “Benny” in the upcoming comedy-horror film Bloody Legend, which is currently in pre-production and will commence filming across Western Sydney and Australia’s iconic Blue Mountains in March. The co-host of Yaz & Feras on Sydney’s 2DayFM, Yaz Haddad is an AFTRS graduate, influencer and music producer who has worked with the likes of Snoop Dogg, Tyga, T-Pain, Jason Derulo and Kid Laroi. After filming a small part last year in the upcoming Streetfighter movie, Bloody Legend will be his second feature film and first lead role.
Joining the panther hunt as Benny’s best mates in the film are up-and-coming actors Hamze Taha and Marcus Trgo in their big screen debuts, as well as seasoned actor Tony Rahme (Shortland Street), who provides more comic relief while the stakes get higher. The almost all Australian cast for Bloody Legend gathered for a table read at Philter Brewing in Marrickville, Sydney recently ahead of production commencing in March. Additional actors include Natassia Halabi (Apple Cider Vinegar), comedians Fady Kassab (I’m So Sorry for Your Loss) and Cameron James (Bump), NZ actor Ben Fransham (What We Do In The Shadows, Time Bandits), Dom Littrich (Inspired Unemployed), Kathleen O’Dwyer (The Lost Flowers of Alice Heart), Will Ward (Housos, Pirates of the Caribbean), Benjamin Cremen (The Artful Dodger S2, Superwog) and comedian influencers Sarah Michaels (Sarah Michaels Show) and Nariman Dein.
Written by Sydney-based publicist turned author and screenwriter Susan Taylor, who co-directs alongside Australian director and crybaby productions co-founder and Creative Director Catherine Stone (Facing The Hangover, MTV Style: Ruby Rose, A Forgotten Love), Bloody Legend follows a wannabe Western Sydney influencer who decides to track down the legendary Blue Mountains Panther in the hopes of going viral and winning back his girl. But when he and his mates become the hunted, he’s gotta decide — is fame bloody worth dying for?
The film is based on an idea by former EP for The Kyle & Jackie O Show, Pedro Cuccovilla Vitola, and is inspired by a real-life urban legend that has frightened and mystified Australian locals for decades. Up to 30 sightings of a large unidentified black cat prowling the Western Sydney bushland are reported every year, with an alleged attack on a local teenager taking place in 2002. Produced by Susan Taylor and Bianca Austin for Thundercat Productions, in collaboration with Catherine Stone of crybaby, Bloody Legend is being independently financed by the producers with additional fundraising via the Australian Cultural Fund. Sydney-based cinematographer Rob Norman is also on board, along with First Assistant Director Riley MacKenzie.
“I’m really excited to be leading my second feature film. After reading the script with the cast, I knew this one had something special. It’s raw, funny, tense and feels like the missing piece to Aussie film. I also love that it puts second generation Australians front and centre, which we don’t see enough of in Australian movies and TV. We’ve got a great cast and an amazing team behind the scenes, and I can’t wait to help bring it to life. It’s the kind of movie where if you don’t piss yourself laughing, you might shit yourself when it gets tense!” Bloody Legend star and radio host Yaz Haddad commented.
“I wanted to make a film in the spirit of those iconic and incredibly original Aussie comedies we all grew up watching, and luckily, I found a crew of absolute legends who wanted to jump in and help me do it. I love how hilarious Aussies are, no matter our cultural backgrounds, and the world certainly needs more laughter right now. Bloody Legend is going to be one hell of a bloody good time.” Writer and co-director Susan Taylor, Thundercat Productions, commented.
“I’ve always been drawn to stories that sit on the edge of chaos – and Bloody Legend absolutely does. Susan Taylor is an incredible writer! And Western Sydney brings an unapologetic, honest and ambitious energy to it, with a sharp sense of humour. On the surface it’s loud and dangerous, but underneath it’s about ego and the cost of chasing validation in a world obsessed with going viral. We’re taking a classic Aussie urban myth and giving it scale and bite. It should feel like a wild ride – you’ll be laughing hard with dips of fear.” Co-director Catherine Stone, crybaby, commented.
Bloody Legend begins production across Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, Australia this month — with further announcements to come. Donate to the film at australianculturalfund.org.au and search Bloody Legend (all donations in Australia are tax deductible).