Screen Australia and Paramount Australia have announced filming has kicked off in Brisbane for “Two Years Later”.
Australian heavyweights Brenton Thwaites (“Pirates of the Caribbean”,” Maleficent”) and Phoebe Tonkin (“H2O: Just Add Water”, “Boy Swallows Universe”) lead the eight-part romantic dramedy as thirty-somethings Ryan and Emily.
It follows the pair’s unexpected relationship across eight dates, picking up two years after their daily bus flirtations ended with the COVID-19 pandemic. The series offers a tender, funny, unfiltered exploration of modern love. It will launch exclusively on Paramount Plus in 2026.
“Deep Water” screenwriter Pete Bridges created the series, with Tropfest winner Emma Freeman directing and Emmy- and BAFTA-winning company Hoodlum producing.
Daniel Monaghan, senior VP of content and programming at Paramount Australia, called the series “unlike anything else on screen — intimate, honest and refreshingly grounded.”
“Phoebe and Brenton bring extraordinary nuance and chemistry to a story that celebrates the messiness of modern dating,” Monaghan added.
Screen Australia’s director of narrative content, Louise Gough, said “Two Years Later” “is a lively exploration of modern romance, grounded in humour and realism.”
“Hoodlum has a strong track record of delivering emotionally rich stories, and under the direction of Emma Freeman, I’ve no doubt Pete Bridges’ universally appealing storytelling will capture the hearts of audiences here and around the world,” Gough said.
Tracey Vieira, Hoodlum’s producer, added: “We’re thrilled to bring Pete Bridges’ compelling and beautifully written series to the screen. Brenton Thwaites and Phoebe Tonkin lead the cast, with visionary director Emma Freeman at the helm.
“Partnering with Paramount Plus and Banijay allows us to tell this deeply relatable, funny and heartfelt story about connection, identity and love in a post‑pandemic world. It’s a joy and privilege to collaborate with such incredible creative talents and bring this special Australian story to audiences worldwide.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the agency is proud to support “Two Years Later” through its Screen Finance Fund and Post, Digital and Visual Effect (PDV) Incentive.
“This captivating new Australian drama from Queensland’s own Hoodlum shines a spotlight on our exceptional homegrown talent,” said Feeney.
“Set against a vibrant Brisbane backdrop, with a screenplay by local writer Pete Bridges and post-production taking place right here in Queensland, the series is testament to what our industry can achieve. We applaud Paramount Plus for its ongoing commitment to bold, locally made stories that resonate with both Australian and global audiences.”