Paramount+ orders six-episode drama about the 2023 Victoria mushroom deaths

Paramount+ has greenlit a six-episode limited series titled Mushroom Murders, casting Melanie Lynskey in the lead role.

The drama focuses on the 2023 homicide case in Victoria, Australia, which resulted in three deaths. The series covers the specific 97-day timeline from the initial incident to the arrest of the central figure, Erin Patterson.

Lynskey, known for her role in Yellowjackets, will serve as both the star and an executive producer for the project. She will portray Patterson, who reportedly served beef wellingtons to her estranged in-laws and relatives at a lunch in her home. The guests were unaware that the food contained highly toxic death cap mushrooms.

The project is being produced by Soapbox Pictures. It was created by Anya Beyersdorf, Daina Reid, and Deb Balderstone. Daina Reid will direct all six episodes. The writing team includes Beyersdorf, Dianne Taylor, and Belinda Chayko.

Beverley McGarvey, president of Network 10 and head of streaming for Paramount Australia, stated that the case captivated audiences globally. She described the series as a powerful addition to the platform's slate, noting that it will be executed with the quality expected from the streamer. McGarvey also highlighted Lynskey's talent as integral to the production.

Lynskey is currently represented by Gersh. Her upcoming schedule includes the final season of Yellowjackets, which premieres on November 20. She also recently appeared in the Netflix film Don't Say Good Luck and had a guest role on CBS' Matlock. Her credits include the first season of The Last of Us.

Xavier Marchand and Sophia Mogford of Paramount+ will serve as executive producers alongside the creators and Lynskey.