Arclight Films is to offer a sequel to successful 2005 Australian horror thriller Wolf Creek at next month’s American Film Market in Santa Monica.

Expected to start shooting in South Australia next March or April for delivery in the first quarter of 2012, Wolf Creek 2 will once again be directed by Greg McLean and produced by McLean and Matt Hearn for Emu Creek Pictures. The script is by McLean and Aaron Sterns. John Jarratt will reprise his role as murderous bushman Mick Taylor. Other roles have yet to be cast.

The sequel will have a budget of around $12m (the original cost less than $2m) and be funded through Australian rebates, equity and international sales.

WME Entertainment is handling the film’s US sale.

The original Wolf Creek, about a group of backpackers stranded in the outback and taken captive by Taylor, was a surprise success. It screened in Sundance’s World Cinema section, was nominated for seven Australian Film Institute Awards and won the jury prize at Austin’s Fantastic Fest.

It grossed around $12m internationally and $16m in the US (where it was distributed by Dimension Films).