Hunter King (Home and Away)
Hunter King | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Home and Away |
Hunter King is a fictional persona featured in the Australian television drama Home and Away, brought to life by actor Scott Lee. Although Lee initially questioned his own audition performance, he was invited back for a callback and commenced filming the subsequent week. His casting was publicly revealed during the 57th Logie Awards alongside other new cast members. This opportunity marked Lee's first appearance on television. Reece Milne, who eventually took on the role of Tank Snelgrove, had also auditioned for the part of Hunter. Lee's first portrayal of Hunter aired on 27 July 2015.
The character Hunter is depicted as a moody, brooding individual who feels misunderstood, largely influenced by a challenging childhood and the passing of his grandfather, which left him without a male figure to look up to. His problematic behavior reflects his deep yearning for familial connection and affection. Lee acknowledged certain parallels between himself and Hunter. Over time, as Hunter acclimated to life in Summer Bay, his demeanor softened when he recognized that his conduct was alienating those around him. Hunter was initially introduced as the hidden son of Zac MacGuire (Charlie Clausen), which created strain in Zac’s relationship with Leah Patterson-Baker (Ada Nicodemou) due to Hunter’s insistence on exclusive attention from his father.
Significant plotlines involving Hunter included his abduction and drugging by Trystan Powell (Ben Mingay) and his subsequent implication in the murder investigation of his mother, Charlotte King (Erika Heynatz). Lee highlighted Hunter’s conflicted yet profound love for his mother despite her imperfections. Hunter also entered into a romantic relationship with Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno), who supported him through grief and helped him reconnect with family ties. Their romance encountered difficulties stemming from Hunter’s failure to plan for the future and an unexpected pregnancy. Following their split in 2016, Lee expressed optimism about their potential reunion, considering them soulmates. In late 2016, Lee announced his intention to depart from Home and Away to explore other acting opportunities; Hunter exited the series on 10 September 2018.
Casting
Scott Lee’s involvement with Home and Away was first made public when he appeared alongside the cast at the Logie Awards in May 2015, after having been filming for approximately three months. Two months following this event, his role as Hunter was formally confirmed. Initially unsure about how well he performed during his audition, Lee was recalled for a second audition and began filming shortly after. Reece Milne had also tried out for the role of Hunter but was ultimately cast as Tank Snelgrove. This marked Lee’s debut in television acting. He described joining the show as "very exciting" and expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with seasoned actors such as Ray Meagher. His first episode as Hunter aired on 27 July 2015.
Characterisation
Prior to his first appearance, Lee characterized Hunter as "angsty, brooding and moody." He explained that Hunter’s behavior is driven by a longing for family and affection, shaped by losing his grandfather and lacking a male role model during his upbringing. Lee viewed Hunter as a misunderstood individual—a "hurt soul" prone to anger because of a difficult past. Portraying Hunter’s "bad boy" side was enjoyable for Lee since it differed significantly from his own nature.
As Hunter became more settled in Summer Bay, his outlook evolved; he came to understand that his conduct was alienating those around him and recognized the need to change if he wanted a better life. Lee observed that Hunter frequently allowed emotions to dominate his actions and suggested that his character needed to become less confrontational and more thoughtful.
Introduction
Lee indicated that Hunter's arrival would unsettle the existing dynamics within Summer Bay. After following his mother, Charlotte King, to the town, Hunter sets fire to Leah Patterson-Baker's residence and assaults Josh Barrett following a break-in at Summer Bay House. Subsequently, he seeks out his father, Zac MacGuire, revealing his identity during a local fundraiser event.
Feeling overlooked and unable to bear seeing Zac with his "other family," Hunter acts rashly without weighing the repercussions. Zac is taken aback by Hunter’s disclosure and initially distances himself after verifying the facts with Charlotte. Lee characterized this rejection as a "huge blow" to Hunter, who had yearned for a conventional family life.
Hunter’s presence creates tension between Zac and Leah, as he demands Zac’s undivided attention. Leah grows suspicious of Hunter’s intentions, fearing he wants to drive a wedge between her and Zac, concerns that Zac initially downplays. The situation intensifies when Hunter feigns drowning, causing Zac to miss an important meeting with Leah. Leah interprets this as a manipulative attempt to reunite Hunter’s parents and subsequently calls off her engagement with Zac for the sake of her family. Over time, Hunter starts to view Zac and Leah more as a second family rather than adversaries.
Kidnap and Charlotte's murder
In November 2015, Hunter became entangled in his mother’s blackmail saga. Charlotte faced threats from Trystan Powell (Ben Mingay), who pressured her to provide proof that Darryl Braxton (Steve Peacocke) was still alive. After she failed to comply, Trystan orchestrated Hunter’s abduction. Lee explained to TV Week that Hunter sensed something was amiss with Charlotte and was seized while attempting to clear his mind. Drugged and abandoned in the wilderness, Hunter struggled to find assistance before being saved by Constable Kat Chapman (Pia Miller).
Following Charlotte’s shooting by an unknown attacker, a whodunit mystery unfolded with Hunter among ten suspects. Absent when the news broke, Hunter later discovered of her death and emotionally withdrew. Lee highlighted that Hunter initially suppressed his grief due to the overwhelming nature of the loss, underscoring their complicated yet close bond. Detective Dylan Carter (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor) quickly suspected Hunter given their fraught relationship and witnessed outbursts at Charlotte’s wedding. Lee acknowledged Hunter’s tendency for impulsive extreme actions, which fueled audience speculation regarding his culpability.
When it emerged that Andy Barrett (Tai Hara) had confessed to killing Charlotte, Hunter sought vengeance. Lee described him as a "ticking time bomb," struggling to manage repressed emotions and guilt over Charlotte’s past deeds intended to protect him. Upon Andy’s transfer from custody, Hunter attacked him with scissors outside the police station.
Relationship with Olivia Fraser Richards
Lee expressed hope that Hunter would develop a romantic connection, prompting producers to cultivate a friendship between him and Olivia Fraser Richards (Raechelle Banno) following her return to Summer Bay. During a beach pool scene, Hunter notices scars on Olivia’s thighs, indicating she is concealing something. Unable to open up directly with Olivia, Hunter confides in VJ—who is also vying for Olivia’s attention—and VJ promises Olivia his support. Olivia assists Hunter in coping with his mother’s death and strengthening ties with his new family, although their relationship faces hurdles due to Hunter’s lack of future planning and the arrival of Lindsay Ford (Georgia Flood), who pursues him.
Hunter surprises Olivia with a romantic "high tea" picnic but suddenly collapses due to intense pain. With no mobile reception available, Olivia flags down Zac, who contacts Doctor Nate Cooper (Kyle Pryor) for diagnosis; Nate identifies tension pneumothorax. Under Nate's guidance, Zac performs an emergency procedure that saves Hunter's life. This harrowing experience deepens their connection. Seeking a fresh start together, their relationship improves until Olivia discovers she is pregnant. Despite initial apprehension, Hunter supports Olivia through their decision to terminate the pregnancy. Olivia struggles afterward and resumes self-harming behaviors.
At a party, Hunter punches Jordan Walsh (Benny Turland); Jordan advises Olivia she deserves better, creating strain between her and Hunter. When Olivia attempts reconciliation and references Jordan's comment, jealousy drives Hunter to end their relationship again. They briefly reunite before breaking up once more; Olivia then begins dating newcomer Mason Morgan (Orpheus Pledger). Banno noted that despite their breakups, mutual care remains but their interactions have become unhealthy. After securing employment at the Bait Shop, Hunter informs Olivia; an argument ensues when he notices Mason’s messages on her phone. Lee observed that while the relationship calmed some of Hunter’s turmoil, it also fostered co-dependence.
Hunter and Olivia reconcile but face conflict when VJ tries to kiss Olivia during an outing intended to support him. A confrontation breaks out between Hunter and VJ, further straining his relationship with Olivia. Later, intoxicated, Hunter buys an engagement ring intending to propose; Lee believed his intentions were genuine despite the circumstances. During dinner at Salt, the ring slips from his pocket causing embarrassment when Olivia dismisses it as "ugly." This prompts him to plan a more thoughtful proposal. However, Lee felt they had grown incompatible due to diverging paths in life.
During the second proposal attempt, Hunter delivers an emotional speech in front of friends; however, Olivia rejects him and leaves the beach, ending their engagement plans.
Departure
In the issue of TV Week spanning 24 December 2016 to 6 January 2017, Lee announced his intention to exit the series by the close of 2017 to focus on an acting career in the United States. Reflecting on his time on the show, Lee expressed enthusiasm, noting, "I'm thrilled. The experience has flown by, and I've gained significant growth as an actor." Hunter's final appearance aired on 10 September 2018, with his storyline culminating in a move to Vietnam to reunite with Zac. Lee elaborated, "He’s seeking a new beginning. With everything going wrong in his life, this change could be exactly what he needs." His departure followed closely after Banno's exit from the show. Lee appreciated that their characters had distinct farewell arcs, allowing each to "stand independently." He also treasured his concluding scene featuring Alf’s guidance, stating, "That moment will stay with me forever. Home and Away has been an incredibly meaningful chapter in my life."
Storylines
Hunter shadows Zac MacGuire and Leah Patterson-Baker throughout Summer Bay before breaking into Summer Bay House and rifling through drawers. After Josh Barrett catches him and is pushed down the stairs, Hunter confronts his mother Charlotte demanding to meet Zac, revealing himself as Zac’s son. Struggling to accept Leah and VJ’s presence in his life, Hunter manipulates Zac into spending more time with him, which strains Zac and Leah’s relationship. Following theft from Leah’s diner and unintentionally causing Marilyn Chambers to receive an electric shock, Charlotte opts to send Hunter away rather than have him face legal consequences.
Though Hunter vows to Zac he will improve, he soon uncovers Charlotte’s inappropriate involvement with Matt Page and her embezzlement from his trust fund. He moves in with Zac and Leah but is later kidnapped by Trystan Powell as retaliation against Charlotte; after being drugged and abandoned in the bush, Kat Chapman rescues him. Hunter embarks on a relationship with Olivia Fraser Richards. When Charlotte plans to expose him as responsible for the fire that damaged Leah's house and caused her cousin Denny Miller’s death, Hunter temporarily leaves town. Upon returning, he admits culpability for the fire during Billie Ashford’s arson trial and is subsequently accused of Charlotte’s murder.
Lindsay Ford complicates Hunter's relationship with Olivia by revealing they shared a kiss. After being struck by Lindsay's car, Hunter suffers a collapsed lung requiring emergency care from Zac. Olivia becomes pregnant; they decide to terminate the pregnancy due to feeling unprepared for parenthood. Their relationship deteriorates further as Olivia resumes self-harming behaviors. Hunter assaults Andy Barrett over Charlotte’s death, leading to his arrest and community service sentence. He later learns that Josh Barrett was responsible for shooting his mother.
During community service, Hunter befriends Jordan Walsh but ends his relationship with Olivia following an argument at a party. Tabitha Ford manipulates Olivia and frames Hunter by altering his exam results, which leads to his suspension. After Tabitha impersonates Olivia and kisses Hunter to create conflict, Hunter rescues Olivia from Tabitha’s social media harassment plot; they eventually reconcile.
Under pressure from exams and university applications, Hunter contemplates cheating when offered an exam paper. Olivia requests a break; Hunter clashes with John Palmer after failing his Bronze Medallion test, causing tension until John apologizes for a caravan park fire that was initially blamed on Hunter.
Hunter grows jealous when Olivia dates Mason Morgan. During a bushfire threatening the Summer Grooves festival, Hunter risks injury searching for Olivia and Mason but finds Olivia unharmed afterward. Police question Hunter regarding local arson incidents; he fights Mason and advises Olivia to distance herself from Mason. After Olivia ends her relationship with Mason, Hunter supports her university preparations; they reunite.
Planning to cohabit presents challenges including a burglary; Irene invites them to stay with her temporarily. Conflict arises when VJ becomes intoxicated and attempts to kiss Olivia, leading to a confrontation with Hunter.
After Zac falls from the roof of Summer Bay House, Hunter questions whether Zac is truly his father following comments about Zac’s breakup with Charlotte. A DNA test reveals Zac is not his biological father. Encouraged by Olivia to maintain contact with Zac regardless, Hunter helps organize a beach event but initially clashes with Mason until sharing the paternity news leads to reconciliation.
Seeking answers about his biological father, Hunter contacts grandmother Peggy King; she reacts negatively and reports him for diner theft resulting in his arrest—though no charges are filed following apologies to those affected. Peggy suggests that former neighbor Wally Burns might be his father.
Hunter writes to Wally; when the letter initially returns undelivered, Wally eventually visits but denies paternity due to infertility issues. After Wally undergoes a DNA test confirming he is indeed Hunter’s father, Hunter attempts to build a relationship despite limited shared interests.
Reception
After Hunter's initial introduction, a writer from Inside Soap remarked, "Based on what we've observed so far, Hunter seems destined to cause significant trouble!" Another commentator referred to him as a "disturbing teenager," while Sarah Ellis described him as "unpredictable." Michael Cregan highlighted the moment when Hunter’s true identity was unveiled as a standout event, noting, "The mysterious hooded figure turns out to be none other than Charlotte's son, Hunter." Lee shared that fans who encountered Hunter in person often appeared intimidated because of his behavior.
Kerry Harvey from Stuff.com.nz mentioned that Hunter "angered both locals and viewers with his malevolent actions." Kaylee Martin of The West Australian and Stephen Downie from TV Week both categorized him as a "troublemaker," with Martin adding that the "brooding youth Hunter is set to stir up conflict and disrupt the status quo." Following Charlotte’s passing, a reporter for the South Wales Echo observed, "Hunter’s life is thrown into chaos after learning about Andy’s confession." In November 2015, 58% of readers surveyed by TV Week supported the pairing of Hunter and Olivia.
Concerning the dynamic between Hunter and Christina, the South Wales Echo noted, "She is married, he is attractive – yet destiny keeps bringing them together." A writer from the Liverpool Echo pointed out that although Hunter deceived Christina into admitting she fabricated accusations against him, he derived no satisfaction from it. Summarizing Hunter’s journey, Tamara Cullen of TV Week remarked, "From a troubled adolescent to an endearing rogue, Hunter’s storyline in the Bay has been full of excitement."
External links
- Hunter King at the Official Home and Away website