FEDERATION INTERNATIONAL HANDLES WORLDWIDE RIGHTS TO THE SERIES PRODUCED BY SOAPBOX PICTURES.
Internationaly acclaimed actress Melanie Lynskey stars as the “Mushroom Killer”.
aramount+ announced it has greenlit new limited drama series MUSHROOM MURDERS, produced by SOAPBOX PICTURES (Dustfall, A Gentleman in Moscow, Spotlight).
Paramount+ acquired the series from distributor Federation International, which handles worldwide rights to the series.
The series recalls the true story of Erin Patterson, dubbed the “Mushroom Killer” by the press after her story captivated Australia and the world.
Emmy Award-winning actress Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets, Don’t Say Good Luck) stars in the series and also acts as executive producer, alongside Deb Balderstone and Xavier Marchand, who executive produce for SOAPBOX PICTURES, and Sophia Mogford for Paramount+.
Synopsis : In 2023, Erin Patterson (Melanie Lynskey) served individual beef wellingtons to her estranged in-laws and their relatives at a lunch in her Victoria home in Australia. Unbeknownst to her guests, Patterson allegedly prepared the food with highly toxic death cap mushrooms, resulting in the deaths of three guests. The limited series depicts the 97 days between the now infamous lunch and Patterson’s subsequent arrest.
The series is created by Anya Beyersdorf (Fake, Apple Cider Vinegar, Fires), Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale, Shining Girl, Run Rabbit Run) and Deb Balderstone (Dustfall, Ticket to Paradise, Palm Beach).
It is written and executive produced by Anya Beyersdorf, with all six episodes being directed by Daina Reid who also acts as executive producer. The episodes are written by Beyersdorf, Dianne Taylor (Dustfall, After the Party) and Belinda Chayko (Dustfall, Fires).
Beverley McGarvey, President Network 10 and Head of Streaming, Paramount Australia : “This is an ambitious series that brings a gripping real-life story, that captivated Australia and the world, to the screen with the scale, quality and creative vision audiences expect from Paramount+. It is a powerful addition to our growing slate of premium storytelling, and we are delighted to partner with such an exceptional creative team to share it with viewers around the world. We are also thrilled to welcome Melanie Lynskey, whose remarkable talent will be integral to the series both on screen and as an Executive Producer”.
With this announcement, Federation International strengthens its partnership with SOAPBOX PICTURES (Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand), which began with the series Dustfall. The series, which won the Audience Award at the latest edition of Series Mania, was recently acquired by Apple TV for a planned release in 2027.
