Boy Swallows Universe Go In Production in Brisbane from August To Screen on Netflix

The adaptation of Trent Dalton’s international best-selling novel Boy Swallows Universe will film in Brisbane from August this year.

The highly anticipated eight-part series will be produced by Sydney-based Brouhaha Entertainment and screen on Netflix.

“Brisbane-based author Trent Dalton captivated the world with his brutal yet magical tale set in 1980s Brisbane among iconic local landmarks such as Boggo Road Gaol and Brisbane City Hall’s clock tower,” the Premier said.

Brouhaha Entertainment, is now seeking crew and casting as it will to filming in August.

Boy Swallows Universe follows working-class Brisbane teenager Eli Bell in a whirlwind story about drug addiction, ex-cons, poverty, violence and the discovery of hope through the power of love.

Producer Andrew Mason said he is delighted to be bringing the production to Queensland. 

“We’re thrilled to be producing this beloved story here in Queensland, with the very best of facilities, locations and world-class crew,” Mr Mason said.

Author of the book and Executive Producer Trent Dalton said following on from a critically-acclaimed stage adaptation in 2021 by Queensland Theatre as part of Brisbane Festival, it was a logical next step to take Boy Swallows Universe to the screen, using Brisbane locations and local crew.

“It just makes sense. This adaptation to the screen couldn’t happen anywhere else, and I am proud to be part of this exciting adventure on my home turf,” said Mr Dalton. 

“Boy Swallows Universe is my very deep and personal love letter to my city of Brisbane nand is grateful to screen agencies of SQ.
Que Minh Luu, Director of Content, Netflix ANZ, said, “Brisbane is such a key character in Boy Swallows Universe that Queensland was always the first-choice location for us to bring to life on screen the evocative and uniquely Australian universe that Trent created.”

Boy Swallows Universe was first published in 2018 by Harper Collins and holds the record as the fastest-selling Australia debut novel ever.

The series is adapted for screen by writer John Collee (Master and Commander, Happy Feet, Hotel Mumbai). Executive Producers are Troy Lum (The Water Diviner, Saving Mr Banks, Mao’s Last Dancer), Andrew Mason (The Matrix, The Water Diviner), Sophie Gardiner (Howard’s End, Chimerica), Kerry Kohansky-Roberts (Foe, Boy Erased) and Joel Edgerton (The Great Gatsby, Bright, The King).