’A celebration of mateship’: David Wenham on his new movie

Sydney actor David Wenham is bringing Johnny Francis ‘Spit’ Spitieri back to life yet again in a new movie 22 years after we first met him in Gettin’ Square.

David Wenham is not one to repeat himself.

There are exceptions however with the celebrated actor bringing Johnny Francis ‘Spit’ Spitieri to life yet again 22 years after Australia first met him in Gettin’ Square.

“I’ve never wanted to play the same character twice, ever,” Wenham told Confidential.

“I wasn’t interested in doing Gettin’ Square Two, neither was (director) Jonathan (Teplitzky) and neither was (writer) Chris (Nyst). There had to be a really good reason for bringing the character back.”

Spit is out in cinemas on March 6 with Wenham quick to point out the film is not a sequel, or a prequel.

David Wenham says Johnny Spitieri, the character he plays in Spit, is “at heart a good man”. Picture: Richard Dobson

“You don’t have to have seen Gettin’ Square to understand or appreciate this movie,” he said.

“For those who have, fantastic, and obviously there are little bits in it that connect the two movies but it exists in its own right.”

Johnny Spitieri is a small-time crim, who finds himself at the beginning of the film locked up at an immigration detention centre.

“For all of his flaws and quirks and idiosyncrasies, he is at his heart a good man.

“And the audience sees that he is the least judgmental person you will ever come across. It doesn’t matter what your skin colour is or how much money you have or what your profession is or your religion, he doesn’t care. It is a celebration of mateship.”

Wenham, 59, is one of our most recognisable actors here and abroad.

He’s worked in everything from big budget Hollywood films to local indie projects.

The actor though likes to keep it all about the work.

Wenham in Spit, the sequel to Gettin’ Square, which is in cinemas from March 6.

“I can really easily slip under the radar when I go out, obviously there is little bits of recognition here and there, but I enjoy it like that,” he explained.

“I have never wanted my life to change at all, I like living pretty much a normal existence. And it allows me then to just observe and be part of the community.”

Wenham has a producer credit on Spit, and despite his top billing status, he had to work hard to get the movie made.

“It is a barrow that I’ve pushed to get this film made,” he said.

“It is hard, this is an independent Australian film. It is really hard to finance films and I understand why but it is really hard. Thankfully, we did.”