Kangaroo pounces on Easter screens debuting on HBO Max Aus at number 1

Studio Canal feature film, Kangaroo, has made its Australian small screen debut on on HBO Max, taking the number one mantle and retaining it across first week of screening. Kangaroo launched on HBO Max Australia on April 2, while it continues a cinema rollout schedule across European and US summer.

Shot on location in the Northern Territory, Kangaroo, is a co-production from Brindle Films, Bunya Productions and represents Studio Canal’s first feature film investment from its production arm Cultivator Films.

Kangaroo showcases Stage23’s depth of experience in creature work, featuring the team’s extensive R&D capabilities in animal replication for Kangaroos’ in all stages of life and complex scene choreography. Stage 23 co- founder Johnathan Hairman served as VFX supervisor on Kangaroo.

The film, which was launched in Australia with a national theatrical release in September 2025 has attained the status of highest grossing film of 2025 at the Australian Box Office. Since then, Kangaroo has been launched internationally progressively across Germany – where it was the highest grossing Australian film in 25 years, New Zealand, the Gulf States and selected European markets. This year, Kangaroo premiered across the UK & Ireland on January 30 in a significant launch with Tourism NT and entered the UK Box Office at number 12 on its opening weekend.

In February, Kangaroo attracted eight AACTA nominations, including best film, best direction for Kate Woods, and acting nods for newcomer Lily Whiteley and Ryan Corr, Deborah Mailman and Brooke Satchwell, a best casting nom for Anousha Zarkesh and best soundtrack for Jemma Burns. Deborah Mailman won Best Supporting Actress.

Kangaroo, is also part of the recent surge in Australian productions made in the Northern Territory and supported by funding agency Screen Territory, set and filmed on location in Alice Springs and inspired by the life of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, founder of The Kangaroo Sanctuary in Alice Springs.

Kangaroo was also supported by the Screen NSW Made in NSW Fund and Screen Australia.