Sam Neill's final caring text disclosed by Taika Waititi

Filmmaker Taika Waititi revealed the last message he received from his late co‑star Sam Neill, who died in July at age 78. The text, sent on 4 April, read: “Congratulations. You bought the studio, that’s great!” – a reference to the New Zealand studio Waititi and Jason Momoa purchased.

Waititi said Neill was “a very caring, loving person” who often checked in to see how he was doing. He shared the tribute while marking the 10th anniversary of their film Hunt for the Wilderpeople, which is being screened in London with a special tribute to Neill. The anniversary has prompted an outpouring of tributes and renewed appreciation for Neill’s career, including his roles in Jurassic Park and The Piano.