Brenton Thwaite and Phoebe Tonkin will play the 30s who are suddenly cut off by Covid-19 in Hoodlam Entertainment’s new romantic drama series, which began production in Queensland.
There is the Paramount+ Original series, two years after being created by Pete Bridges, and two years after a series of short bass interactions following Emily (Tonkin) and Ryan (Thwaites).
Ryan impulsively suggests going on eight dates to decide whether they intend to marry or not, leading him to navigate personal revelation, unexpected family drama, professional upheavals, and contrasting worldviews. The series also stars Roy Billing and Heather Mitchell, directed by Emma Freeman and Lucy Guffy.
The creative team also includes producer/EPS Nathan Mayfield, Tracey Robertson, Tracey Vieira, Dopplert “Bob” Humphries, production designer Helen O’Rowan, costume designer Zedd Dragodjirovich and hair and makeup designer Anita Hauerlow.
It is being produced at Brisbane and is supported by Screen Queensland’s Screen Finance Fund and Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) incentives. The eight-part series is supported by major production investments from Screen Australia, with Banijay having the right to handle international sales.
Hoodlum producer Tracey Vieira said it was “joy and privilege” to work with “an incredible creative talent like this.”
“We are excited to see two years later that Pete Bridges’ persuasive, beautifully written series on screen, with the incredible talents of Brenton Thwaite and Phoebe Tonkin leading the cast and visionary director Emma Freeman at the helm,” she said.
“Paramount+ partners with Banijay to tell this deeply related, interesting, and heartfelt story of connections, identity and love in a post-pandemic world.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jackie Feeney said the series has put the spotlight on the state’s “exceptional homemade talent.”
“With a script written by local author Pete Bridges and post-production here in Queensland, this series is a testament to what our industry can achieve,” she said.
“We praise Paramount+ for our continued commitment to bold, locally-made stories that resonate with both Australia and the world’s audience.”
Daniel Monaghan, senior vice president of content and programming, said two years from now “it’s not like the rest on screen.”
“Phoebe and Brenton bring extraordinary nuance and chemistry to stories celebrating the messiness of modern dating,” he said.
It will air two years later on Paramount+ in 2026.
