Paramount+ Sets New Murder Mystery

Paramount+ has commissioned Playing Gracie Darling, a brand-new murder mystery from Curio Pictures.

The series, set for release in 2025, is created and written by Miranda Nation (Undertow) and directed by Jonathan Brough (Rosehaven), while Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus) stars. Major production investment comes from Screen Australia in association with Paramount Australia.

The drama is also financed with support from Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund. Local distribution will be done by Paramount Australia, while Sony Pictures Television will handle international sales.

O’Reilly said, “I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of this series. I devoured the scripts in one sitting. Joni is a complex, paradoxical woman haunted by ghosts of past and present. I’m especially drawn to the relationship between her and her teenage daughter.

“I know how triggering motherhood can be; when you think you have something well hidden, your kids know how to dig it up. So many skeletons. I can’t wait to get stuck into this character and her world.”

Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner, executive producers for Curio Pictures, commented, “Miranda Nation captured our imagination with her brilliant story ignited by the idea of a seance gone wrong. Playing Gracie Darling is a unique genre mash of mystery thriller, family drama and coming of age, and this project has continued to draw people to its provocative and propulsive characters with universal themes at its heart.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the creative team that is forming around it, led by Miranda Nation and director Jonathan Brough and our brilliant cast.”

Grainne Brunsdon, Screen Australia COO, said, “Playing Gracie Darling offers a fresh take on the supernatural mystery genre that is sure to captivate audiences both in Australia and abroad. With a strong, award-winning team at Curio and compelling scripts from Miranda Nation and Anya Beyersdorf, this series promises to be a must-watch on Paramount+.”

Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW, added, “Miranda Nation has expertly blended the supernatural, coming of age and crime thriller genres, and with executive producers Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner from Curio Pictures on board, Playing Gracie Darling is sure to be an engrossing and enthralling drama. I’m excited to welcome this project to NSW, with the series creating many full-time jobs for local cast and crew in the state when it begins shooting in Sydney and regional areas.”

Daniel Monaghan, senior VP of content and programming for Paramount Australia, said, “We are thrilled to bring audiences this premium female-led crime thriller. Morgana O’Reilly is a star on the rise. We are so fortunate to have secured her for the lead role along with one of the most impressive ensemble casts this series could have hoped for.”