'The Babadook' director finally addresses character's gay icon status

"He doesn’t want to die so he’s finding ways to become relevant.”

The Badadook became an unlikely queer icon. Source: Twitter

The director of 2014 Australian horror film The Babadook has finally addressed her character's unlikely status as a gay icon.

While attending Sundance for her upcoming film The Nightingale, writer/director Jennifer Kent spoke to Bloody Disgusting about the incredible meme treatment her spooky character was given by members of the LGBTIQ+ community.

“That was mad,” she recalled of the Babadook's place in queer culture. “That was crazy.”

She continued: “Of course, I love that story. I think it’s crazy and just kept him alive. I thought ah, you bastard. He doesn’t want to die so he’s finding ways to become relevant.”

While comments about the Babadook's sexuality originated on Tumblr, the fringe fan theory was ignited by a Netflix slip-up that categorised the horror flick under 'Queer Cinema'. The rest, as they say, is history - with the Babadook now represented on banners and signs at Pride marches around the world.