rufio prequel

Screengrab via Dante Basco/YouTube

Watch how Rufio became leader of the Lost Boys in this ‘Hook’ prequel

'Bangarang!'

 

Michelle Jaworski

Internet Culture

Posted on Jun 28, 2017   Updated on May 23, 2021, 1:33 am CDT

Hook, the 1991 film about an adult Peter Pan who returns to Neverland to save his children, has gained a cult following in the 26 years since its release. But now we’ve finally gotten the origin story of the mohawked leader of the Lost Boys—with some help from the actor who the role so iconic.

Bangarang: The Hook Prequel, which had Dante Basco (Rufio himself) attached as an executive producer, raised over $68,000 on Kickstarter earlier this year, and now fans finally get to learn how Rufio—known in the real world as a 13-year-old boy named Roofus—eventually became the leader we know him to be. When we meet him not all is well: he’s bullied and he’s about to be put in foster care. But a familiar book, a guiding hand in the form of a school principal played by Basco, and Roofus’ dreams taking flight will change everything.

The short film has plenty of heart and callbacks to Hook. It explains how Rufio got his mohawk, his leather jacket, and his signature call. But if you look closely enough you’ll see another one in the form of a familiar lawyer’s name on a business card.

H/T io9

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*First Published: Jun 28, 2017, 9:02 am CDT