Paul Hogan celebrated the premiere of the new 'encore cut' of his iconic film, Crocodile Dundee, at the Royal Botanic Gardens' OpenAir Cinema in Sydney, where generations of fans gathered to enjoy the modified classic. The event was made even more special with the appearance of Hogan's son, Chance, who joined him for this rare public outing.
On Thursday evening, the evening air was filled with nostalgia as the 1986 cult classic was presented anew, having undergone edits to suit modern sensibilities. Though Chance, 27, opted against walking the red carpet beside his father, he was seen enjoying drinks and partaking in conversations, including some amusing exchanges with local wildlife, particularly with the notorious white ibis, known colloquially as bin chickens.
Paul, now 85, became a household name playing the titular character, Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee, which elevated him to international stardom. He garnered nominations including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. But during this premiere, he wasn't just celebrating the film's legacy; he was also addressing recent controversies surrounding the encore presentation.
The encore cut included two minutes of material removed from the original release, which stirred discussions among fans and critics alike. Some branded the changes as "bloody woke c**p," but Paul defended the edits vehemently when speaking with The Courier Mail. "This guy is a folk hero around the world, and he shouldn't be groping people," he remarked, explaining his reasons for advocating the changes. "I heard about it [the edit] years ago, it started, and it wasn't about being woke...it's just...better without it," he added.
While Chance refrained from joining his father on the red carpet, he embraced the festive atmosphere with enthusiasm, even slipping away for animated chats with the iconic ibis birds, shielding his snacks from their curious beaks with humor and grace. Dressed casually, Chance embodied the laid-back spirit of the evening, sporting a simple white T-shirt paired with black jeans and denim jacket. Living in Venice Beach, Los Angeles, Chance's public appearances are few and far between, especially considering his past headlines associated with erratic behavior.
Paul Hogan’s concerns for his son, expressed recently, highlight the depth of their relationship. Chance has made headlines for his troubled excursions around Venice Beach, where he has been photographed behaving unusually. Yet, when asked about his son’s well-being, Paul shrugged off concerns, simply stating, "Nah" when queried if he was worried. This nonchalant attitude encapsulates the close bond they maintain, though Paul has acknowledged challenges presented by living abroad and missing Australia.
The emotional weight of the evening was not lost on attendees, as Hogan reflected on his decision to move back to Australia after experiencing health issues related to retroperitoneal fibrosis. The condition required steroid treatments and led him to shed muscle, making regaining strength his current mission. "I maintained [my health] right up till 79, I was still fit...then I turned 80 – it’s lovely, they say, ‘turning 80 is not for sissies’ because things start to fall apart," he remarked, shedding light on the physical toll age has taken.
Back at the premiere, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and pride—not just for the memories the film elicited but also for the legacy it continues to shape around Australian culture. Paul Hogan has indicated interest to return to Australia for good, sharing, "Oh yeah. One of these days"—a statement underscored by his deep attachment to his roots and now mostly distant homeland.
Sadly, the event bore witness not only to the joyful reunion between father and son but also the bittersweet memory of Burt, the iconic crocodile who starred alongside Hogan. Recently, Burt passed away at over 90 years old, marking the end of an era. His legacy remains intertwined with the film's narrative and Australia's charming wildlife, as Crocosaurus Cove noted, stating, "It is with great sadness...we announce the passing of Burt, the iconic Saltwater crocodile and star of the Australian classic Crocodile Dundee. Burt passed away peacefully over the weekend..."
The rebroadcast of Crocodile Dundee opened the door to revisiting past joys and recognizing the growth around societal values, all the altercations aside. With Paul Hogan's humor and Chance Hogan’s lighthearted engagement with the moment, the night reinforced not only nostalgia for classic cinema but also showcased the family ties and legacies woven through Australia's cinematic history.