Paramount+, in collaboration with Screen Australia and Screen NSW, is adding to its international slate with the commission of an original drama series down under titled Playing Gracie Darling. Set to debut in 2025, the six-hour supernatural thriller is produced by Curio Pictures, with Sony Pictures Television handling international distribution.
Created and written by Miranda Nation (Undertow), and directed by Jonathan Brough (Rosehaven, The End), the series features an ensemble cast led by Morgana O’Reilly (The White Lotus, Season 3) as Joni. Joining her are Rudi Dharmalingam (Wakefield), Celia Pacquola (Rosehaven), Annie Maynard (Upper Middle Bogan), and Anne Tenney (The Castle). Paramount says additional casting announcements are expected soon.
Playing Gracie Darling centers on the mysterious disappearance of a teenage girl, Gracie Darling, during a séance 27 years ago. In the present day, local children in a small town play a seemingly innocent game inspired by the tragedy, but when another girl vanishes, the unsettling mystery resurfaces. O’Reilly’s character, Joni, now a child psychologist, returns to her hometown to confront the ghosts of her past and unravel the truth behind her best friend’s disappearance. Teaming up with local sergeant Jay (played by Dharmalingam), Joni must face her deepest fears as Gracie’s sister Ruth (Pacquola) relives the trauma when her own daughter goes missing under eerily similar circumstances.
Emphasizing her excitement about taking on Joni’s “complex and paradoxical” character, O’Reilly said she “devoured the scripts in one sitting.”
“Joni is haunted by ghosts from both the past and present, and I’m especially drawn to the relationship between her and her teenage daughter. I can’t wait to explore this world,” she added.
Executive producers Jo Porter and Rachel Gardner of Curio Pictures praised Nation’s gripping story, calling it “a unique genre mash of mystery thriller, family drama, and coming-of-age.”
The series has the support of key Australian agencies, with Screen Australia COO Grainne Brunsdon stating, “Playing Gracie Darling offers a fresh take on the supernatural mystery genre that will captivate audiences both locally and internationally.” Screen NSW’s Kyas Hepworth added that the show’s blend of crime thriller, coming-of-age, and supernatural elements makes it a compelling addition to Australia’s TV landscape.
Added Daniel Monaghan, Paramount Australia’s svp of content & programming: “Morgana O’Reilly is a star on the rise, and we’re thrilled to have secured her for this lead 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 associate producer and additional scripts are written by Anya Beyersdorf (Fake).
