Paramount+ Australia, Screen Australia and Screen NSW today announced the commissioning of Playing Gracie Darlings, a six-hour scripted drama produced by Curio Pictures, a Paramount+ original drama series.
Based on a story and screenplay by Miranda Nation (Undertow) and directed by Jonathan Braff (Rosehaven, The End), Gracie Darling is played by Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus Season 3, The End). Friends Like Me) stars as Joni and features a notable ensemble cast. Rudy Dharmalingam (Wakefield, Great Expectations) as Jay, Celia Pac-Ola (Rosehaven, Love Me) as Ruth, and Annie Maynard (Upper Middle Bogan) as Anita. Names include “Colin from Accounts”) and Anne Tenney (“The Castle,” “Country Practice”). She will be playing the role of Moira, and more announcements are expected in the future.
Curio’s Joe Porter and Rachel Gardner will play Gracie Darling, and Paramount+ and Miranda Nation’s Sophia Mogford will executive produce. Laura Nagy will serve as an associate producer, with additional script writing by Anya Beiersdorf (Fake).
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When Joni was 14, her best friend Gracie Darling disappeared during a séance and has not been seen since.
Twenty-seven years later, local children in a small town are having fun playing a game of “Pretend Gracie Darling.” But the seemingly innocent game turns sinister when another girl disappears.
Now a child psychologist, Joni confronts her deep fear of the unknown and returns to the town where her best friend Gracie mysteriously disappeared to find out what happened to Gracie that fateful night.
Local sergeant Jay works with Joni to uncover the truth, while Gracie’s sister Ruth faces a mother’s worst nightmare: her own daughter disappearing under similar, haunting circumstances.
Moira, Ruth’s mother, clings to her faith in the face of her own worst fears.
The role of Gracie Darling will premiere on Paramount+ in 2025 (Image – Provided)
Morgana O’Reilly, who plays Joni, said:
“I’m so excited to be joining this series. I read the script in one sitting. Joni is a complex, paradoxical woman who is haunted by ghosts from her past and present. I am fascinated by the relationship I have with my teenage daughter.”
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“I know how exciting motherhood can be. Just when you think something is well hidden, kids know how to dig it out. So many skeletons. With this character I can’t wait to get into her world.”
Joe Porter and Rachel Gardner, executive producers at Curio Pictures, said:
“Miranda Nation captivated our imaginations with a wonderful story inspired by the idea of a séance gone wrong.”
“Playing Gracie Darling is a unique genre that combines mystery thriller, family drama, and coming-of-age, and this project brings people together with a provocative, propulsive character with universal themes at its core. continues to attract
“We couldn’t be more proud of our creative team, led by Miranda Nation and directors Jonathan Braff, and our incredible cast.”
Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said:
“Playing Gracie Darling brings a new perspective to the paranormal mystery genre that is sure to captivate audiences in Australia and internationally.
“Curio’s strong award-winning team and compelling writing by Miranda Nation and Anya Beiersdorf will make this series a must-see show on Paramount+.”
NSW Head of Screen Cath Hepworth said:
“Miranda Nation deftly blends the paranormal, coming-of-age story, and crime thriller genres, and ‘Playing Gracie Darling’ is executive produced by Curio Pictures’ Joe Porter and Rachel Gardner. , it will definitely be a fascinating and captivating drama.”
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“We are excited to welcome this project to New South Wales. The series will create a number of full-time jobs for local cast and crew in the state as filming begins in Sydney and regional areas. ”
Daniel Monaghan, Senior Vice President Content and Programming, Paramount Australia, said:
“We’re excited to bring this premium female-driven crime thriller to our audiences. Morgana O’Reilly is a rising star, along with one of the most impressive ensemble casts this series has ever anticipated. We are very lucky to have secured her in the lead role.”
She plays Gracie Darling in the Paramount+ Curio Pictures production. Major production investment from Screen Australia in partnership with Paramount Australia. Funded with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund.
Locally distributed by Paramount Australia. Overseas sales will be handled by Sony Pictures Television. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen NSW.
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