EXCLUSIVE: Richard Roxburgh and Rebecca Gibney to star in Australian drama series Stan and Lionsgate flower.
The pair will lead the cast of the Lingo Pictures show, which is billed as an epic family drama that provides a “provocative look behind the curtain of power and privilege.”
Production is currently underway in New South Wales, Australia and a photo of the script for the first episode reveals that it will be called Man of God (see below).
Roxburgh (The crown, rake, elvis) plays Cal Quinn, the founder and worldwide pastor of the fictional megachurch U Star in Sydney, and Gibney (Halifax: retaliation, Back to the beams, Wanted) is Abi Quinn, his wife and worship leader. Their powerful mega-church is one of the fastest growing in Australia and is poised for profitable US expansion. While the family preaches messages of faith, love and acceptance behind closed doors to thousands of followers, they keep shameful secrets.
Ewen Leslie (Bali 2002, The Stranger) was cast as the dutiful eldest son Dion Quinn. Ming Zhu Hii (La Brea, Piet Rabbit) plays his wife Taryn Quinn and Jacob Collins-Levy (True story of the Kelly gang, The Witcher: Origin of Blood) starring Jed Quinn and Hayley McCarthy (Sylvie’s love, The original) is Isabel Kalani, the only daughter of the family and a gifted singer-songwriter. Jordan Webber (nomad, dead lands, Power ranger) plays her American husband Benji and Alexander D’Souza plays the adopted son of Moses, Cal and Abi.
Other cast members include Jacek Koman (Moulin Rouge!, Children of men, Rake), Andrea Solonge (class of 07, privileged), Bridget Zengeni (Totally fine, The secret she keeps) and Alex Fitz Alan.
The range, branded Stan Original, was ordered last September. Matt Cameron (Jack Irish, Secret City) and Jason Stephens (Lambs of God, stand tall) are the co-creators and the show was developed with the support of Stan, Lionsgate, Screen Australia and Screen NSW.
Lingo is owned by ITV Studios and produced with significant production investment by Screen Australia with support from the NSW Government through Screen NSW and the Made in NSW Fund.
Cameron and Liz Doran (barons, please love me) writing with Louise Fox (trailer hitch, Broad church) and Belinda Chayko (Burn, Stateless). Jennifer Leacey (The secret she keeps, The House of Commons) and Shaun Wilson (Romantic trip, Ragged) directed and Jason Stephens and Andrew Walker (dead end, Rosenhaven) to produce. Helen Bowden is executive producer on Lingo, which was acquired by ITV Studios in November last year. Lionsgate has international distribution rights.
Richard Roxburgh said: “flower is a powerful family drama cleverly written and delivered with impeccable timing. Cal Quinn is an irresistible character. He is a bright and powerful figure, but plagued by doubts and mysteries. And the excellent writing team surrounded him with equally complex characters. I can’t wait to jump in with the cast and bring it all to life.”
“I love being part of the cast of flower and I can’t wait to work with the incredibly talented team behind this very special and timely drama series,” said Gibney. “The producers have assembled an amazing cast and crew, the scripts are amazing and Abi Quinn is unlike any I’ve played before!”
Producer Jason Stephens added: “We’ve had tremendous support and enthusiasm from our partners at Stan and Lionsgate to bring this timely Australian story to life that we truly believe will resonate with audiences around the world.”
Roxburgh is represented by Simon Whipp at Shanahan Management and Gibney by Aimee Ravek at RGM.
Source: Deadline
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
