On identity and representation

First of all, tell us who you are and where your Mob is from?

I’m a Georgetown and a Logan on my dad’s side from Cherbourg, my pop was a proud Dawson River Murri from Theodore, Queensland and mum is a proud Redfern girl. 

You’ve said you’re proud to be First Nations and making it in the film world. How important is it to you to be seen on screen – not just as an actor, but as who you are?

It’s important because I want to show the world that anything is possible. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what you look like, you can still make it. 

On film and performance

What was it like working with an icon like George Miller? Were there any funny stories from on set you can share?

He’s an absolute legend and I really loved working with him. We all had so much fun which made it easier, especially being on set all day. 

I was on a Zoom call with George discussing the role and he was a bit concerned as Furiosa isn’t a kids movie and he didn’t want it to be retraumatising. He said, ‘Quaden, the character we want you to play dies.’  My response was ‘YES! I’ve always wanted to die!’

He definitely wasn’t expecting that response, so I think that’s what secured the role of War Pup for me. 

What was your first day on set like for Furiosa? Was it what you expected, or totally different?

Kinda both actually but I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait for more. I really miss being on set. 

You’ve said acting changes something in you. What do you feel when you’re in costume, on a set, and the cameras roll?

I just love getting into character. I love being on set. It just feels like what I was born to do and I can’t wait to explore other roles like horror and comedy. 

How did it feel watching Furiosa on the big screen – knowing your face, your voice, your story is now part of that world?

It was crazy, so surreal. I felt very proud of myself and I still can’t believe I’m a part of the iconic Mad Max films. 

Your story has been documented in TV news, podcasts, on Australian Story, and now film. What does it mean to you knowing your legacy will live on?

I just hope people learn from it so we can all help make this world a better place. I hope to be remembered for who I am and what I’ve done.

You were the subject of one of the most widely shared videos in the world. What do you hope people understand now that maybe they didn’t back then?

I just want people to know the real me. 

If someone watches your interviews or performances 50 years from now, what would you want them to feel or think about that young boy they’re seeing?

Don’t feel sad, miracles happen. I made it through and you can draw a positive out of a negative and learn from it.

You’ve spoken about bullying, pain, and healing. Would you want to help write or create something in the future that tells that story from your side?

I like positive affirmations and quotes so yeah maybe something like that. I like using comedy to connect to people. 

You’ve been filmed, photographed and interviewed so many times – do you ever think about picking up the camera yourself?

Yes, I’m getting into streaming and vlogging so watch this space.

You’ve said Redfern feels like home. What’s it like returning to a place where so much of your family history is rooted?

It’s the best. Always felt like home. We’re putting Redfern on the map for positive now. Just look at my cousins Biwali Bayles and Davo Hickey, off to the NBA summer league. My uncle Choc and the Mundine family, my cousin TJ playing for the junior Bunnies and Comets for basketball and football. We’ve got the Redfern Community Centre, Redfern Youth Connect, NCIE Redfern – we’ve got everything here. I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been since moving back to the Block with the family and I never wanna leave. 

What projects are on the horizon for you? Are we going to see you on the footy field again any time soon?

I love my footy, so you never know. But stay tuned for something huge coming up and much more to come.

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Image: Quaden Bayles at the Australian premiere of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Photographer: Don Arnold. Getty Images #2151121918