Melanie Lynskey to star in Australian mushroom poisoning drama

Melanie Lynskey will headline and executive produce a new limited series for Paramount+. The drama, currently titled Mushroom Murders, adapts a 2023 homicide case from Australia. The streamer announced the project on Tuesday.

The series focuses on the life of Erin Patterson. In 2023, Patterson served beef wellingtons to her estranged in-laws and their relatives at a lunch in her Victoria home. The meal allegedly contained highly toxic death cap mushrooms. Three guests died from the poison. The show will depict the 97 days between that infamous lunch and Patterson's arrest.

Anya Beyersdorf, Daina Reid, and Deb Balderstone are creating the series. The production is by Soapbox Pictures. Beyersdorf previously worked on Apple Cider Vinegar. Reid is known for The Handmaid's Tale. Balderstone has worked on Dustfall. Reid will direct all six episodes.

Beverley McGarvey, president of Network 10 and head of streaming for Paramount Australia, described the project as ambitious. She stated that the story captivated audiences in Australia and worldwide. McGarvey said the series adds to the streamer's premium storytelling slate. She expressed delight at partnering with the creative team. She also welcomed Lynskey, noting her talent is integral to the project both on screen and as a producer.

Lynskey is currently appearing in the final season of Yellowjackets. That series premieres on November 20 on Paramount+. Her recent credits include the Netflix movie Don't Say Good Luck. She also had a guest role on CBS' Matlock, appearing opposite her husband Jason Ritter. She starred in season one of The Last of Us.

Lynskey is represented by Gersh. The executive producers for Mushroom Murders include Beyersdorf, Reid, Balderstone, and Lynskey. Xavier Marchand and Sophia Mogford from Paramount+ are also serving as executive producers. Beyersdorf, Dianne Taylor, and Belinda Chayko will write the series.