Infamous 'Bali Boy' signs movie deal | A Current Affair

Summary

Two years ago, a 12-year-old boy from Australia, known as 'Bali Boy,' shocked the world by running away, stealing his family's credit card, and flying solo to Bali. After evading authorities and exploring the island, he was eventually tracked down. Now 14, he reflects on his adventure, which led to international fame and even a Hollywood movie deal. Paramount Pictures is adapting his story into a film, with his life set to change drastically. His story highlights the challenges of child safety, the consequences of his actions, and the unexpected rise to fame that followed his daring journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 A 12-year-old boy, Michael, ran away from home, took his family's credit card, and flew to Bali alone.
• 😀 Michael's solo journey went unnoticed by Jetstar staff and airport authorities, raising concerns about child safety in air travel.
• 😀 After landing in Bali, Michael rented a motorbike, checked into a hotel, and explored the island independently.
• 😀 His family, especially his mother, was initially shocked and worried when they discovered he was overseas.
• 😀 The story of Michael's solo adventure went viral, leading to interviews with global news outlets like CNN, BBC, and the Washington Post.
• 😀 Paramount Pictures bought the rights to Michael's story, and a Hollywood movie is in development, with *Stranger Things* actors involved.
• 😀 Michael was compensated with a trust fund that will be accessible when he turns 21, ensuring his future financial security.
• 😀 The media coverage of the story generated over 1.7 million views, making Michael a global sensation.
• 😀 Michael's escapade exposed gaps in international travel regulations, prompting stricter rules to prevent minors from traveling alone without oversight.
• 😀 Despite the initial stress, Michael and his family have since reconciled, with his grandmother managing his finances and guiding his future.
• 😀 The Hollywood movie based on Michael’s adventure will be titled *Runaway* and may be filmed in Hawaii or Bali, with Amy Schumer potentially portraying his mother.

Q & A

Who is 'Barley Boy' and why is he famous?

Barley Boy is a 12-year-old boy named Michael, who became famous after running away from home in Australia, stealing his family's credit card, and flying to Bali by himself. His story gained international attention, highlighting how a young boy managed to travel alone without raising any alarms.

What triggered Michael's decision to run away to Bali?

Michael ran away after an argument with his mother, Emma. He grabbed his scooter, packed a bag, stole his family’s credit card, and flew to Bali. He was familiar with Bali, having visited on family holidays before.

How did Michael manage to fly to Bali without his parents’ knowledge?

Michael used his student ID and passport to board the flight. The airline, Jetstar, did not ask many questions, and he was able to board the flight alone, despite being only 12 years old.

What were the reactions of his parents when they found out he had gone to Bali?

His parents were initially shocked, worried, and upset. They didn't know where he was, and it was particularly distressing for them since they didn't expect him to travel abroad on his own.

How did Michael manage while in Bali by himself?

While in Bali, Michael acted quite independently. He checked into a hotel on his own, rented a motorbike (despite being too young to drive), went shopping, and visited the beach. He also ignored calls from his parents for several days.

Did anyone in Bali question Michael's solo travel?

No, Michael faced little resistance. He was able to check into a hotel alone, rent a motorbike, and carry on as if he were an adult. The local rules were much more lenient, allowing him to do things that would typically raise red flags in other countries.

What were the consequences for Michael after his solo trip?

After his parents tracked his phone and found him, they traveled to Bali to bring him back. While Michael didn’t face any legal consequences in Bali, his parents were understandably angry and concerned. The authorities did tighten up some of the rules to prevent similar incidents in the future.

How did Michael's story reach a global audience?

Michael's story was initially reported by the media, which quickly gained traction worldwide. The story was covered by major outlets, including CNN, the BBC, and the Washington Post. It also gained millions of views on social media, making Michael an international sensation.

What is the significance of the movie deal involving Michael's story?

After the media attention, Paramount Pictures reached out and bought the rights to Michael's story. They are developing a Hollywood movie titled 'Runaway' based on his adventure, with the possibility of a cast member from 'Stranger Things' playing Michael’s role. The movie deal also involves a trust fund for Michael's future earnings.

What did Michael think about the global reaction to his story?

Michael was surprised by the massive attention his story received. He never expected his solo adventure to lead to such widespread coverage or to result in a movie deal. He was also shocked by the 1.7 million views the story got online.