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Melanie Lynskey Stars in 'Mushroom Murders' on Paramount+
· Confirmed
In Short: Paramount+ has ordered a six-episode limited drama series starring Melanie Lynskey as Erin Patterson, convicted in the infamous Leongatha mushroom murders.
Paramount+ has greenlit a six-episode limited drama series titled 'Mushroom Murders,' starring and executive produced by Melanie Lynskey. The series is based on the notorious Leongatha mushroom murders that captivated Australia and the world.
Lynskey, known for her roles in 'Yellowjackets' and 'The Last of Us,' will portray Erin Patterson, who was convicted in the case and is currently appealing her sentence of at least 33 years in prison.
The series follows the 97 days between the fatal lunch in July 2023, where Patterson allegedly served toxic death cap mushrooms to her estranged in-laws, and her subsequent arrest.
The show was announced at the Paramount+ and Ten upfronts in Melbourne, hosted at the MasterChef Kitchen in the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds.
Lynskey expressed her excitement about the role, saying, 'I am very excited to be playing Patterson in Mushroom Murders,' which was greeted with gasps among the attending media and stakeholders.
The series is produced by Soapbox Pictures and executive produced by Deb Balderstone, Xavier Marchand, and Sophia Mogford for Paramount+.
Beyersdorf, Dianne Taylor, and Belinda Chayko are writing the series, with Anya Beyersdorf, Daina Reid, and Deb Balderstone serving as executive producers.
The show is the second dramatization of the true crime case, following a 2025 ABC announcement of 'Toxic,' created by Elise McCredie and Tony Ayres.
Paramount+ has emerged as a top market in Australia, delivering breakout series such as 'Colin From Accounts' and 'NCIS: Sydney.'
The series is set to explore the complex and tragic events that made headlines around the world, offering a compelling and unique perspective on the case.
Lynskey's recent work includes the Netflix movie 'Don’t Say Good Luck' and a guest role on CBS’ 'Matlock.'
Background
Paramount+ has greenlit a six-episode limited drama series starring Melanie Lynskey as Erin Patterson, convicted in the infamous Leongatha mushroom murders.
What's confirmed
- “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+,” said Beverley McGarvey, President Network 10 and Head of Streaming, Paramount Australia.
- Paramount+ has greenlit Mushroom Murders, a six-episode limited drama series out of Australia starring and executive produced by Melanie Lynskey ( Yellowjackets, Don’t Say Good Luck ).
- From the stage, Lynskey said she was “very excited” to be playing Patterson in Mushroom Murders – an announcement greeted with gasps among the attending media and stakeholders.
What's still developing
- “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.” Lynskey, Emmy nominee for Showtime’s Yellowjackets (twice) and HBO’s The Last Of Us, most recently starred in the Netflix film Don’t Say Good Luck.
- Patterson, 51, is appealing against the convictions, with her lawyers decrying what they called a “ catastrophic ” failure of the justice system.
- “I had an incredible time with the whole team at MasterChef this past April, so when they approached me to come back and work with this young group of talent, it was an easy yes,” Meghan said.
- Meanwhile, Meghan Markle is making a surprise return to Australian television, with the Duchess of Sussex confirmed for a major role.
- 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”) created the series, all three serving as executive producers.
- She has received two Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress in a drama for her work in the series.
- Beyersdord will write along with Dianne Taylor (“Dustfall,” “After the Party”) and Belinda Chayko (“Dustfall,” “Fires”).