Paramount+, in partnership with Screen Australia and Screen NSW, is adding to its international slate with the commission of an original drama series titled Playing Gracie DarlingThe six-hour supernatural thriller, scheduled to debut in 2025, is produced by Curio Pictures, with international distribution handled by Sony Pictures Television.
Created and written by Miranda Nation (Undertow), and directed by Jonathan Brough (Rose Shelter, The end), the series features an ensemble cast led by Morgana O'Reilly (The White LotusSeason 3) as Joni. Along with her are Rudi Dharmalingam (Wake Field), Celia Pacquola (Rose Shelter), Annie Maynard (Medium-high Bogan), and Anne Tenney (The Castle). Paramount said that additional cast members will be announced soon.
Playing Gracie Darling focuses on the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl, Gracie Darling, during a séance 27 years ago. In present day, children in a small town play a seemingly innocent game inspired by the tragedy, but when another girl goes missing, the eerie mystery resurfaces. O’Reilly’s character, Joni, now a child psychologist, returns to her hometown to confront the ghosts of her past and uncover the truth behind her best friend’s disappearance. Teaming up with local Sergeant Jay (played by Dharmalingam), Joni must confront her deepest fears while Gracie’s sister, Ruth (Pacquola), relives the trauma when her daughter disappears under eerily similar circumstances.
Underlining her enthusiasm for playing the “complex and paradoxical” character of Joni, O'Reilly said she “devoured the scripts in one sitting.”
“Joni is haunted by ghosts from the past and present, and I’m particularly drawn to the relationship between her and her teenage daughter. I can’t wait to explore that world,” she added.
Executive producers Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner of Curio Pictures praised Nation’s gripping story, calling it “a unique blend of mystery thriller, family drama and coming-of-age film.”
The series has the support of major Australian agencies, with Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon saying: “Playing Gracie Darling offers a fresh take on the supernatural mystery genre that will captivate audiences both locally and internationally.” Kyas Hepworth of Screen NSW added that the show's blend of crime thriller, coming-of-age and supernatural elements makes it a compelling addition to the Australian television landscape.
Daniel Monaghan, senior vice president of content and programming at Paramount Australia, added: “Morgana O’Reilly is a rising star and we are thrilled to have cast her in this leading role, alongside an impressive ensemble cast.”
Playing Gracie Darling is executive produced by Curio's Porter and Gardner, Sophia Mogford for Paramount+ and Miranda Nation. Laura Nagy is on board as an associate producer and additional scripts are written by Anya Beyersdorf (Impostor).