David Wenham has put his thongs back on to star in Spit, the sequel to cult film Gettin' Square

Australian actor David Wenham was in Brisbane late last year, just leaving the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, when a shout interrupted his thoughts. "I turned around to see where the voice was coming from, and a bus had pulled up behind me, the doors opened, and the driver asked if I needed help paying for the bus fare." This unexpected offer highlights the lasting impact of one of his most memorable roles.

It's been over 20 years since Wenham played Johnny Francis "Spit" Spiteri, the down-on-his-luck, short-on-bus-fare criminal in "Gettin' Square," but the film is still what people stop him on the street to talk about the most. And this is despite the fact that the film was not even a box office hit at the time. The enduring appeal of the character and the film speaks to its unique connection with audiences.

"The film's theatrical release was botched," Wenham said of Jonathan Teplitzky's brilliant heist adventure. "But then it found its own life through VHS and DVD, which was quite remarkable. It gradually developed an incredible cult following." As a result, Teplitzky and "Gettin' Square" writer Chris Nyst have been discussing creating a sequel for years. But it was Wenham's close friend and filmmaker Robert Connolly who convinced him to play Johnny again. The prospect of revisiting such a beloved character proved too enticing to resist.

"We were talking about Johnny at the time, thinking about all the strange little situations he might find himself in, so I called Chris and discussed it with him," Wenham said. "Before long, the first draft of 'Spit' arrived, which he had been writing for a long time." Wenham added, "When I read it, I decided I wanted to do it." Nyst has an intimate knowledge of Johnny's underworld. "He's a very successful and respected criminal lawyer who has represented some very colorful characters," Wenham said. "It's been amazing that Nyst has really been able to put these on paper." This depth of understanding promises an authentic and engaging portrayal.

"Gettin' Square," released in 2003, starred Sam Worthington as Barry, a fellow prisoner who served time with Johnny, and the two are determined to turn their lives around after their release. The two eventually end up working in the kitchen of the same restaurant. "Spit" tells the story of Wenham's Johnny returning to Australia after escaping the police at the end of the first film, but without Barry. "He's back with the same clothes and hairstyle, just a little less hair and not as greasy as before, because he hasn't been doing drugs for over 20 years," Wenham said. "Strangely enough, as soon as I put on those thongs, I could immediately feel Johnny coming back." The familiar attire instantly transported him back into the character's mindset.

Wenham first tried playing Johnny again in London, when he, Teplitzky, Nyst, and makeup artist Tess Natoli happened to all be in London. "I came up with the idea of going to a secondhand store to buy clothes that Johnny would wear, and Tess said she could do a temporary makeup test," Wenham explained. After Wenham was made up, he took to the streets to play Johnny. "We started on the escalator of the subway, filming him walking out of Scotland Yard, and then we went to the portrait gallery and got kicked out," he said. "None of this is in the film, and it never will be, but once I got into character, we could put him in any situation." This impromptu performance demonstrated the character's enduring presence within him.

Of course, trouble always follows Johnny. "Spit" opens with him returning to Australia on a false passport. He is arrested at the airport and sent to a detention camp made up primarily of refugees, including Jihad Khalaf (played by Iranian-New Zealand actor Alo Green). Johnny, who has a good heart despite sometimes going astray, helps Jihad and his fellow refugees learn very colloquial Australian English. "Chris is a genius at portraying a very sensitive issue in a comedic way, while also being very touching," Wenham said. "Most of the actors playing refugees were either refugees themselves or descendants of refugees, and it was great to work with them." Unfortunately for Johnny, his old adversaries – corrupt cop Arnie DeViers, played by David Field, and gangster Charles "Chicka" Martin, played by Gary Sweet – are still looking for him, because they know he could turn around an ongoing investigation against them. His past continues to haunt him, drawing him back into the criminal world.

Teplitzky said on a gloomy London morning that they didn't know how iconic Wenham's character would become for Australians who missed the film in theaters. "'Gettin' Square' isn't really about Johnny," he said. "He's like the icing on the cake, bringing a lot of fun and silliness." Johnny may have kicked his drug habit, but nostalgia is a powerful drug. "When you think about the things that really bring you joy, they often come from the past," Teplitzky said. "If you ask your six friends what their favorite part of 'Gettin' Square' is, they'll all tell a slightly different story. We wanted to tap into that energy, rather than just following in the same footsteps. David's credit is that you can take the audience anywhere with this character because they trust him." Wenham's performance created a deep connection with audiences, making Johnny a beloved and memorable figure.

Teplitzky said Johnny is an ordinary guy, which is why people identify with him so much. "As an anti-authoritarian, as the mythical version of what Australians want to be, he has even more potential to be explored." The refugee perspective, with the detention center being filmed at a COVID-19 isolation center built on the Gold Coast, allowed Nyst and Teplitzky to break down the bubble surrounding this myth. "In many ways, friendship is a cornerstone of Australian culture," the director said. "I grew up hearing the timeless phrase that Australia is the most tolerant country in the world. But as you get older, you realize how absurd that is. If our culture is built on friendship and tolerance for all, then you can't lock people up like we have in our history." "Spit" satirizes this hypocrisy but never feels preachy. "The first thing we had to do was try to make a very funny movie that made moviegoers laugh," Teplitzky said. "Johnny is completely non-judgmental. If you're good to him, he'll be good to you, and vice versa. It doesn't matter where you're from. That should be our cornerstone." The film aims to entertain while subtly challenging societal norms and promoting inclusivity.

As far as Wenham is concerned, telling Australian stories authentically is essential. "This is what defines us. This is our history. Without stories, we are nothing." The film serves as a reflection of Australian identity and the importance of preserving its unique narratives.