ABC in Oz orders drama series adaptation of Brendan Cowell rugby novel Plum

Plum, created by actor, writer and producer Brendan Cowell

Australia’s ABC has commissioned a six-part drama series titled Plum, created by actor, writer and producer Brendan Cowell.

The series is being adapted from Cowell’s novel of the same name, charting the dark turn of fortune of a 49-year-old national rugby treasure who discovers that he has a brain disorder as result of trauma on the field.

Produced by Roadshow Rough Diamond and Modern Convict Films the series has begun filming in New South Wales and will debut on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.

Cowell serves as lead actor, creator and writer, alongside co-writer Fiona Seres (Love My Way, The Great), with Wayne Blair (Total Control, Bay of Fires) and Margie Beattie (Bump) directing.

Cowell said: “Plum is about my two favourite things; sport and poetry. Crafting this tale for the screen, about a scared man trying to change before it is too late, bears a deep connection for me, and I cannot wait to share it with audiences across Australia.”

The series will be distributed globally by Entertainment One and has attracted funding from Screen Australia and the ABC.

“Our partners at Roadshow Rough Diamond and Modern Convict Films have brought together a powerhouse creative team to bring this project to life. We can’t wait to showcase this truthful, touching and humorous adaptation of Brendan Cowell’s novel about an ex-Rugby League player finding his voice,” said ABC Head of Scripted Rachel Okine.