'Wolf Creek' sequel gets go-ahead

Director Greg McLean has been given the financial backing to make a sequel to low-budget horror hit Wolf Creek.

The deal was announced at Melbourne International Film Festival this week, Variety reports.

According to the site, the sequel follows three backpackers visiting the Wolf Creek crater who find themselves racing against death to avoid the clutches of murderer Mick Taylor.

Original cast member John Jarratt will reprise his role as the psychopathic killer battling the travellers in the Australian bush.

The first film was made with a budget of $1.1 million (£0.6 million), but earned $27.8 million (£17.1 million) globally.

McLean announced plans for the sequel in November 2010, promising that the new script would also be based on true stories.

"[We're focusing on] capturing the realism behind these kind of horrific events and crimes that have actually taken place in the Outback," he said.

Wolf Creek starred relative unknowns Cassandra Magrath, Nathan Phillips and Kestie Morassi.

McLean also directed Rogue, starring Silent Hill actress Radha Mitchell. The film centred on a travelling Australian journalist who finds himself having to tackle a man-eating crocodile.

Watch the trailer for Wolf Creek below: