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Quaden Bayles: bullied boy with dwarfism bags role in new Mad Max film

Latest News On Quaden Bayles (Feb 2024)

Here’s all the latest news on  Quaden Bayles since our article (below) was written.

Continued Acting Career

Quaden Bayles has expanded his acting portfolio by appearing in George Miller’s film “Three Thousand Years of Longing,” alongside stars Idris Elba and Tilda Swinton. This role follows his casting in the upcoming “Mad Max” film “Furiosa,” showcasing his growing experience and recognition in the film industry.

Public Reaction and Support

The public and celebrities continue to rally behind Quaden, offering support and admiration for his resilience and talent. His journey from being bullied to starring in major film productions has inspired many, highlighting the positive impact of community support on individuals facing adversity.

Role in “Furiosa”

Quaden’s involvement in “Furiosa” marks a significant milestone, as the film is anticipated to be Australia’s largest production to date. Set to release on May 24, 2024, the movie features a star-studded cast, including Anya Taylor-Joy, Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba, and Chris Hemsworth. While Quaden’s specific role remains undisclosed, his participation in such a major project is a testament to his emerging talent in the film industry[3][7].

Social Media Presence

With over 270,000 followers on Instagram, Quaden uses his platform to share updates about his film roles and engage with his supporters. His active social media presence allows him to connect with fans and promote positive messages about overcoming bullying and embracing differences[.

Advocacy and Awareness

Quaden’s story has significantly contributed to raising awareness about bullying and the importance of acceptance and education regarding disabilities. His mother, Yarraka Bayles, has advocated for “Quaden’s Law,” aiming to implement measures to protect children from bullying in schools. This advocacy underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for all children.

The Bayles family’s legal victory against News Corp columnist Miranda Devine, who had insinuated that Quaden’s bullying experience was fabricated, highlights the seriousness of Quaden’s situation and the broader issue of responsible reporting. The settlement serves as a reminder of the impact of words and the importance of supporting those who face bullying and discrimination.

Original Article:

Bullying is an unfortunate part of life that many people experience at some point, which can lead to extreme trauma. But for a boy with dwarfism – Quaden Bayles – who faced horrific bullying at school, landed himself in a blockbuster movie after a video of his distress went viral. 

Quaden Bayles’ heartbreaking viral video

Quaden Bayles, an Australian indigenous boy who lives with dwarfism was so badly bullied and inconsolable after a day at school in 2020 that his mother videoed his distress after apparently getting nowhere talking to the school.

In the video, his mother, Yarraka, informs viewers that her son (who was aged nine at the time) is picked on for his condition known as achondroplasia:

“I’ve just picked my son up from school, witnessed a bullying episode, rang the principal, and I want people to know — parents, educators, teachers — this is the effect that bullying has,” Yarraka said as Quaden cried.

“Every single… day, something happens. Another episode, another bullying, another taunt, another name-calling.”

She added: “So, can you please educate your children, your families, your friends because all it take is for one more incident and you wonder why kids are killing themselves.”

The video went viral and Quaden and his family have received huge support worldwide. He is now to star alongside Chris Hemsworth in the upcoming film, Furiosa.

What is dwarfism?

Dwarfism is poor bone growth that results in people being short. The bones don’t grow properly. Quaden lives with Achondroplasia, the most common type of dwarfism in people who have disproportionate short stature, (DSS.)

It is a rare genetic condition and most people who have the condition are born to average-sized parents, like Quaden.

Individuals living with Achondroplasia can expect to have a normal life expectancy and intelligence. There is no reason why someone with this condition cannot participate in most activities just like any able-bodied individual.

Image montage of Quaden Bayles
Credit: Yarraka Bayles

Achondroplasia characteristics

The average height of an adult male with achondroplasia is four feet, four inches, according to the National Institutes of Health.

People with Achondroplasia have a range of characteristics including:

  • A near-normal trunk length with shorter arms and legs
  • A large head with a prominent forehead and flattened bridge of the nose
  • An increased curvature of the lower spine (lumbar lordosis)
  • Bowing of the lower legs
  • Possible crowded teeth
  • Short, broad feet and hands with separation between middle and ring fingers (the ‘trident’ hand)
  • Exceptionally flexible joints
  • Babies with Achondroplasia may develop motor skills and mobility more slowly than normal because of the combination of a heavier head and shorter arms and legs, but ultimately development is within the expected normal range.

Quaden Bayles’ rugby and film stardom

Following the viral video, Quaden was shown support and asked by The National Rugby League’s Indigenous All Stars team to lead out the side for their match against the Maori All Stars in February 2020.

Quaden – who is passionate about rugby – held the hand of team captain Joel Thompson and led them out on to the pitch accompanied by roars from the crowd.

Quaden Bayles wearing headphones with rugby players
Credit: Getty Images

Oscar-winning Australian filmmaker George Miller, also saw the video posted by Quaden’s mother and invited Quaden to appear in his upcoming film Three Thousand Years of Longing.

According to Miller, Quaden did such a good job that he was asked to appear in Furiosa too.

It was good for us and it was good for him,” Miller told Good Weekend magazine.

Quaden Bayles bags role in Mad Max: Furiosa

Furiosa is the latest film to be announced in the Mad Max series. Mad Max is an Australian action series and media franchise created by George Miller and Byron Kennedy.

In the upcoming film Furiosa, prequel to Mad Max: Fury Road, the story will take place several years before the events of Fury Road and it will focus primarily on a character called Furiosa.

Furiosa is a war captain who answers to Immortan Joe in Mad Max: Fury Road. She is unhappy in her role and wants to leave his cruelty.

She starts out serving Joe but quickly turns against him to free The Five Wives, Joe’s female concubines.

Mad Max: Furiosa is said to include Queen Gambet star Anya Taylor-Joy as a young Furiosa, along with Chris Hemsworth, Tilda Swinton, Idris Elba, Nathan Jones and Tom Burke.

Now aged 11, Quaden’s role is unknown at this point. The film is expected to be released on 24th May 2024.

By Lucy Currier

More on Disability Horizons…

Lucy Currier

Writer and editor for Disability Horizons and blogger at Inclusive Living Concepts. Hobbies include: dancing, reading and attending theatre and comedy shows.
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