2024 09 16 – Media release
Paramount+ Australia, Screen Australia and Screen NSW have announced the commissioning of Paramount+ original drama series Playing Gracie Darling, a six-hour scripted drama produced by Curio Pictures. Sony Pictures Television distributes the series worldwide.
Based on a story and screenplay by Miranda Nation (Undertow) and directed by Jonathan Blau (Rosehaven, The End), Gracie Darling is played by Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus Season 3). ”, “Friends Like Her”) plays Joni, and the ensemble cast includes other well-known actors. 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 is on board as associate producer, with additional script writing by Anya Beyersdorf (FAKE).
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.
Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon said: With Curio’s award-winning powerhouse team and compelling script by Miranda Nation and Anya Beiersdorf, this series promises to be a must-see show on Paramount+. ”
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 and paradoxical woman haunted by ghosts from her past and present. I’m especially drawn to her relationship with her teenage daughter. I know how exciting motherhood can be, and when you think something is well hidden, it’s the kids. So many skeletons. I can’t wait to get into this character and her world.”
Joe Porter and Rachel Gardner, executive producers at Curio Pictures, said: Playing Gracie Darling is a unique genre that combines mystery thriller, family drama, and coming-of-age, and the project draws people to provocative, propulsive characters with universal themes at their heart. It continues to fascinate me. I couldn’t be more proud of our creative team, led by Miranda Nation and directors Jonathan Braff, and our incredible cast. ”
NSW Head of Screen Cath Hepworth said: “Miranda Nation deftly blends the paranormal, coming-of-age story and crime thriller genres and is produced by Curio Pictures’ executive producers Joe Porter and Rachel.・With Gardner also participating, the role of Gracie Darling will definitely be an immersive work.” And a fascinating drama. We are excited to welcome this project to New South Wales as the series will create a number of full-time jobs for local cast and crew in the state as it begins filming in Sydney and regional areas. ”
Daniel Monaghan, Senior Vice President, Content and Programming, Paramount Australia, said: Morgana O’Reilly is a rising star. We are very fortunate to have secured her in the lead role, along with one of the most impressive ensemble casts this series has ever had. ”
Production credits: Playing Gracie Darling is a Curio Pictures production for Paramount+. 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.
The role of Gracie Darling will arrive on Paramount+ in 2025.
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