Paramount+ Wild Boys Documentary: How Two Brothers Fooled a Town

In a new documentary premiering on Paramount+ on Wednesday, February 18, viewers will be treated to a captivating tale that combines two enduring fascinations of American TV audiences: off-the-grid survivalism and long-running hoaxes.

“Wild Boys: Strangers in Town” tells the story of two young brothers who resurfaced in the summer of 2003 in British Columbia, claiming they were raised entirely off the grid without any contact with the outside world. However, the truth behind this gripping story quickly began to unravel.

Initially known to the townspeople of Vernon, British Columbia, as Tom and Will Green, the brothers received widespread support and assistance from locals and volunteer organizations. Both had offered their names, birthdays, and a story of a life lived in the wilderness near Revelstoke, where they supposedly survived by hunting and homeschooling.

Despite their convincing tale, the brothers faced challenges obtaining identification, which barred them from accessing government benefits and engaging in typical employment. Eventually, it was revealed that Tom and Will were not who they claimed to be – they were actually Kyle and Roen Horn, sons of Diana and Rodger Horn from the Bay Area.

Roen, the younger brother, had run away from home due to concerns about his weight and dietary habits. The ‘fruitarian’ diet he followed, characterized by a severe lack of essential nutrients, raised alarms with local authorities. Once their true identities were revealed, the Horn family could finally reunite and address the complexities of their family situation.

This captivating saga, chronicled in the San Francisco Chronicle, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of long-standing hoaxes and the resilience of families facing unexpected challenges. Tune in to Paramount+ on February 18th to discover the full story of the Wild Boys and their astonishing journey.