A trailer has been released for Baz Luhrmann’s next dive into the world of TV, titled Faraway Downs—though it isn’t all new. Faraway Downs is a reimagining of Baz Luhrmann’s epic Australia (2008) as a six-part series. Using much of the original footage from the lengthy film (165 minutes to be precise), there will also be an hour of new footage that went unused for the film version, which will add to the excitement for fans of the original.
In light of the announcement of the project in June 2022, Luhrmann comments on the news: “While Australia the film has its own life, there was another telling of this story; one with different layers, nuances and even alternative plot twists that an episodic format has allowed us to explore.”
Produced by Hulu, who are also known for award-winning shows like The Bear and Only Murders in the Building, Faraway Downs is surely in safe hands. Baz Luhrmann (the director and writer of Australia and Faraway Downs) spoke of the inspiration behind this new series being a result of “the way episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world”, so it makes sense Hulu has come on to produce this reimagining.
Set between 1939 and 1942, Australia follows Lady Sarah Ashley (Nicole Kidman) and the cattle drover (Hugh Jackman) as they meet in northern rural Australia, contending with keeping a cattle ranching business afloat amongst stiff competition. Whilst the business aspect and slow-burn romance dominates the film, Luhrmann also shines a light on the Stolen Generations of Australia. Nullah (Brandon Walters) takes on a starring role as a young Aboriginal boy living on the cattle ranch, who follows Kidman and Jackman’s characters on their adventures.
Faraway Downs has premiered at SXSW Sydney in October of 2023. Though the series is set to release on streaming platforms 26 November 2023. Premiering on Hulu in the US and Disney+ in the UK, its time to refuel your subscriptions as Faraway Downs hits the small screen.
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