Bankside Films to launch sales at AFM on the Van Vuuren Bros’ mutant toad sci-fi ‘Croak’

EXCLUSIVE: The UK’s Bankside Films has boarded the Van Vuuren Bros’ Australian mutant toad sci-fi Croak for world sales ahead of this month’s American Film Market (AFM).

The Van Vuuren Bros, aka Australian brothers Christiaan and Connor Van Vuuren, have also written the script, alongside Shane Brady and Priscilla Cameron.

When a boom-to-bust mining town is terrorised by a giant mutant cane toad, a misfit gang of teenagers must band together to defeat the monster and the corrupt mining company that created it.

The creature feature is set to start production in the first half of 2026 and will be filmed on location in Queensland, Australia.

Cast includes Jimpa’s Kate Box, Felix Cameron, Justin Rosniak and Davida McKenzie. 

Croak will be produced by Chloe Rickard and Bridget Callow for Jungle Entertainment, who have recently produced My Brilliant Career for Netflix Australia. Midwinter Films will co-produce, with film credits including The Butterfly Tree. Kristin Jones is an executive producer.

It is supported for development by Screen Queensland, Screenworks and Screen Australia.

The Van Vuuren Bros have a background in creating, writing, directing, comedy, acting and stunts. Christiaan recently directed the Australian versions of The Office and Ghosts while Connor has worked as a stunt performer in films including The Hobbit and Alien: Covenant.

Chloe Rickard of Jungle Entertainment said: “This is the film the Van Vuuren Bros. were meant to make – a story about deep family connections and the resilience of kids, about standing up for what’s right, but mostly it’s a thrilling adventure that culminates in an epic showdown with a giant toad-monster.”

“Croak is an immensely enjoyable killer toad movie,” added Stephen Kelliher of Bankside Films, “which delivers its scares with a spirited sense of fun whilst being true to its universal themes of friendship and belonging in an environmentally aware age.”

Christiaan Vann Vuurem described the project as “fun, high-concept and action-packed, grounded by a group of teens who must face their fears together – the giant toad embodying the existential dread of their generation.”

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