Lingo Pictures adapts Markus Zusak novel The Messenger for ABC down under

Australian pubcaster the ABC has commissioned an eight-part drama adapted from Markus Zusak’s novel The Messenger from Jason Stephens and Helen Bowden’s prodco Lingo Pictures.

Maggie Dence

The Messenger follows teenager Ed Kennedy who stops an armed robbery and becomes an accidental hero but begins to receive mysterious playing cards the following day, taking him on an unexpected journey.

Cast members include William McKenna (Nowhere Boys), Maggie Dence (Rake, Wonderland), Alexandra Jensen (Frayed, Amazing Grace), Chris Alosio (Troppo) and actor, singer and songwriter Kartanya Maynard (Deadloch).

Sarah Lambert (Lambs of God, The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart) leads the writing team, while Stephens from Lingo and Elisa Argenzio (Fires, New Gold Mountain, Lambs Of God) serve as producers.

Executive producers are Bowden, Zusak, Mika Zusak, Sarah Lambert and Daniel Nettheim, along with Sally Riley and Rebecca Anderson from ABC. Nettheim (The Tourist, Line of Duty, Doctor Who) is also set-up director, while Helena Brooks (Wellmania, 800 Words) and Jennifer Leacey (The Secrets She Keeps, Frayed) serve as directors.

The Messenger received major production investment from Screen Australia in association with the ABC and was financed with support from Screen NSW. All3Media International is managing international sales.