Emmy-nominated Kiwi actress Melanie Lynskey's set to star as Australian mushroom murder Erin Patterson for a six-part television series.
Patterson, 52, was last year sentenced to life in prison with a non-parole period of 33 years after being found guilty of murdering three relatives and the attempted murder of a fourth after eating death cap mushroom-laced beef Wellingtons at her home in Leongatha, Victoria in 2023.
Her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, died after eating the poisoned meal. Heather's husband Ian was the only survivor.
Simon Patterson’s explosive claims can now be reported after a court allowed teh testimony to be released. (Source: 1News)
Patterson was appealing her sentence.
Streamer Ten/Paramount Australia today announced the limited series Mushroom Murders, created by Anya Beyersdorf (Apple Cider Vinegar), Daina Reid (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Deb Balderstone (Dustfall) had been greenlit at Paramount+. Lynskey was set to star and executive produce.
The show would cover the 97 days between the deadly lunch and Patterson's arrest, with filming to take place in Victoria.
Tamara Simoneau, Paramount Australia’s vice president of content, told the Sydney Morning Herald there had been several scripts "floating around, and that's to be expected".
"When something like this happens, a story that the whole country is obsessed with, then the world became obsessed with it, it’s bound to end up in scripts and in writing rooms. We’re really thrilled with what’s transpired for us and the casting of Melanie, who we think will be excellent."
The 50-year-old was convicted of killing three lunch guests with a poisoned beef Wellington in 2023. (Source: 1News)
Lynskey's credits included Paramount+'s Yellowjackets, Heavenly Creatures, Pike River and Two and a Half Men.
The case that made headlines worldwide was the subject of a three-part documentary series, three books and an upcoming memoir, and multiple podcasts.
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