David Wenham is stepping back onto the silver screen, reviving his beloved character Johnny 'Spit' Spitieri from the cult classic film 'Gettin' Square'. This much-anticipated comeback is set to grace theaters with the release of 'Spit', which is scheduled to hit cinemas on March 6, 2025, after Wenham's last portrayal of the character over 23 years ago.
Fans of the original will recall Wenham's depiction of the character who becomes entangled in the criminal underbelly of Australia. This time, the story finds a more mature Johnny Spitieri as he navigates various comedic obstacles stemming from his attempts to return home with a falsified passport, landing him inside an immigration detention center. Directed by Jonathan Teplitzky, 'Spit' promises to highlight the character’s growth and redemption, all the enquanto balancing humor with heart.
The film cements Wenham's return to this iconic role, having first portrayed 'Spit' almost two and a half decades ago. "It’s been a pretty amazingjourney. It’s been 23 years between films and I never anticipated I’d play the same character twice in my life, especially one 22 years apart, but as soon as I put the thongs on, he suddenly came back, it’s as if he had been dormant in me all those years," Wenham shared during promotional events.
Initially, 'Spit' screened at various locations around Australia, including Cairns, where Wenham participated in a special Q&A session to engage with fans about the film. His enthusiasm was evident as he discussed how the audiences responded positively during these events. "Time just went way back, and now I’m traveling around the screenings and hearing the audience’s response. It really makes us as a filmmaking team very satisfied," he stated.
Wenham also reflected on the emotional depth and comedy interwoven through the film's narrative. Despite tackling timely issues such as immigration, he insists the film largely focuses on entertainment rather than political statements. "This is not a political film, it’s a comedy. The idea for the film came a long time ago from Chris Nyst (writer), there was a little bit of discussion at the time about migration... but it’s not political and people will laugh immensely through it," he explained.
The character's transformation after years of battling personal demons is central to the film, as Wenham describes the protagonist’s experiences of companionship and resilience, connecting with themes of mateship and personal growth. "The whole film is about mateship and when you sit through the movie, you realize for all of Johnny’s faults, he’s still the most unjudgmental person you’ll come across," he noted.
A prominent message Wenham hopes the audience will record is the universality of human experiences, particularly among migrants and refugees, who find common ground with their Australian counterparts. The film denounces divisive narratives, comically illustrating the shared aspects of life irrespective of backgrounds, indicating the director’s motivation: "Chris Nyst said: 'I’m a migrant and we’re all either migrants or the product of migrants.'"
Wenham aims for 'Spit' to be embraced as part of the cinema experience—not just another film relegated to streaming services. "I think everybody needs a laugh at the moment, and you’re going to get more than one laugh. Your laughs will be in the triple figures," he added, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences within the community through cinema.
Filming 'Spit' marks not just Wenham’s cinematic return, it is also emblematic of his dedication to balancing fame with the simple life he cherishes back home. Dwelling in Brisbane, he continues to value the normalcy of life away from Hollywood’s glare, demonstrating how he successfully manages his own personal narrative alongside his public persona.
Looking forward to the film’s premiere, Wenham reinforces his commitment to bring joy and humor to audiences, ensuring 'Spit' not only entertains but also resonates with fans on multiple levels. "Get as many people to go to the cinema with you as possible. It’s about community. It’s uplifting, enriching; it’s laughter after all," he concluded, building anticipation for the film with enthusiasm and sincerity.