Boy bullied over dwarfism lands role alongside Chris Hemsworth in Mad Max film
Quaden Bayles made the headlines after his mum posted a heartbreaking video of him sobbing after being bullied at school
A young boy who was subjected to cruel bullying at school has landed a role in the Mad Max franchise, alongside Hollywood star Chris Hemsworth.
Quaden Bayles, 12, has seen his fortunes turn around after his mum, Yarraka, posted a heartbreaking video of him sobbing and asking for 'rope' to kill himself after being bullied at school due to his dwarfism.
He is yet to start high school but now has a thriving life as a movie star and influencer, less than three years after the video was posted.
Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller rallied around Bayles after watching the footage, giving him a role in his latest blockbuster Furiosa, the fifth film in the Mad Max franchise.
It will tell the backstory of Fury Road's fearsome heroine Furiosa, played in an earlier movie by Charlize Theron.
Bayles will star alongside fellow Australian Chris Hemsworth and actress Anya Taylor-Joy when the action blockbuster hits the cinemas in May 2024.
"I want to kill myself."
A video of 9-year-old #QuadenBayles in Australia with dwarfism pleading for his death was recorded by his mom to raise awareness about the impact of bullying. pic.twitter.com/Cgrz2Ybfws— AJ+ (@ajplus) February 21, 2020
'Can't wait to see this'
Quaden Bayles' new career move follows successful forays onto Instagram and TikTok. He recently met Indigenous rapper The Kid Laroi.
"Can’t wait to watch on the big screen next year," Quaden told his 273,000 Instagram followers on Monday.
He was quickly inundated with message of support.
"Going to be an epic film my bro, you absolutely rocked your role," a follower commented. Another added: "Congrats Quaden. You are such a wonderful young man. Can’t wait to see this myself."
'I love acting' - Quaden Bayles
Furiosa was filmed in New South Wales and was expected to become the biggest movie ever to be made in Australia. Filming wrapped up in September.
Furiosa won't be Bayles' first appearance on the big screen.
His acting debut was an extra alongside Hollywood heavyweights Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton in Miller's most recent film Three Thousand Years of Longing. At the premiere in August, Bayles stole the show on the red carpet.
"I love acting, I want to do heaps," Bayles told NITV News at the time.
'I love acting': Quaden Bayles will star in the new Mad Max blockbuster and says he's only just getting started 🎥🌟 pic.twitter.com/qRfjmCkk5W
— NITV (@NITV) August 29, 2022
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