The Wicker Man (novel) for the film, but were cut to reduce running time and have not been seen since the loss of the film negative. For example, the character of Lord Summerisle's gillie is restored, and the reader learns of Howie's interest in bird-watching. The novelization reveals that Sergeant Neil Howie had originally attempted to become a priest, but that he was daunted by the prospect of preaching the minority faith of Episcopalianism in the staunchly Presbyterian Scottish Highlands. Howie's relationship with his fiancée, Mary Bannock, is explored in greater detail. Allan Brown writes that Howie's arguments with Lord Summerisle have more impact
The Wicker Man Scotland produced a related production"The Wicker Man" entitled "An Appointment with the Wicker Man" written by Greg Hemphill and Donald McCleary. The production has an amateur theatre company attempting to stage a "Wicker Man" musical. In 2011, a spiritual successor entitled "The Wicker Tree" was released. It was directed by Hardy and featured an appearance by Lee. Hardy first published the story as a novel, under the name "Cowboys for Christ". First announced in April 2000, filming on the project began on 19 July 2009 according to IMDb. It follows two young American Christian evangelists who travel to Scotland; like