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 (film series) June or July 2012. The film was planned to be shot on 35 mm film. Once the film's production was complete, Hardy planned for the sets to become a tourist attraction. According to Hardy's 2011 casting announcements, Brynne will be played by Icelandic actress Hatla Williams. Mr Odin will be played by James Mapes, the actor who played Reverend Moriarty in Hardy's previous film, "The Wicker Tree". Hardy intended to cast French actress Juliette Binoche as the murder suspect. In a 2013 Q&A session at the University of Hertfordshire, at a special screening of "The Wicker Man", Hardy confirmed that