ABC Upfronts 2025 | Mystery Road: Origin – The ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce production has commenced in Western Australia on the highly anticipated second season of the critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning series Mystery Road: Origin.
The six-part drama series continues to delve into the early years of Detective Jay Swan, played by AACTA Award-winning Lead Actor and proud Nyikina man Mark Coles Smith (We Bury The Dead, Beasts of War). Six months from when we last saw young Jay and his partner Mary, played by AACTA Award-winning Lead Actress Tuuli Narkle (NCIS S1 & S2, Territory), we find them attempting to forge a new life together on her mother’s Country, in the fading town of Loch Iris.
As Jay begins to investigate an unfolding case, Loch Iris closes ranks around him. And the more he pieces together the crime, the more he realises the entire town has been hiding a shadowy past. It’s a past that is still rippling through to the present. And with it, a secret, that threatens to tear Jay and Mary apart.
Coles Smith and Narkle will be joined by an impressive ensemble cast including Robyn Malcolm (After The Party, The Survivors), Clarence Ryan (Territory, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga), Geoff Morrell (Lord Of The Rings: Rings of Power, Ice Road 2: The Road To The Sky), Nicholas Bell (Elvis, Bay of Fires), Luke Carroll (Scrublands S2, The Artful Dodger), Helen Morse (The Eye Of The Storm, The Doctor Blake Mysteries), Aswan Reid (The New Boy, Beasts of War), Steve Le Marquand (Population 11, Christmess), Pippa Grandison (Population 11, After the Verdict), Rarriwuy Hick (Wentworth, True Colours) , Shantae Barnes-Cowan (Sweet As, Firebite), Tammy Lee Rock (The Sapphires, Boxing Day), Marley Sharp (The Circuit, Redfern Now), Alex Malone (The Royal Hotel, Colin From Accounts), Greg Tait (Firebite, Mad Bastards) and introducing Eloise Hart.
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said:
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Bunya Productions on the highly anticipated return of this iconic series. With a stunning new WA location, impeccable cast and compelling crime story that delves deep into our social fabric, our ABC audiences are in for another absolute masterclass in outback noir”.
Bunya Productions Producer, Greer Simpkin said:
“We are delighted to be on our next Mystery Road journey, where Detective Jay Swan heads to partner Mary’s hometown in the tall trees of the southern forests. There is murder, abduction and epic love, but it is the past, the ghosts of the stolen generation who haunt our story…
This series was written by an entirely First Nations writing team. Outstanding directors Jub Clerc and Wayne Blair are at the helm. Returning to their iconic roles from Origin series one are Mark Coles Smith, Tuuli Narkle and Clarence Ryan along with a terrific ensemble cast including Robyn Malcolm. We are excited to bring to our audiences an entirely new Mystery Road world, a visual feast set in the trees, dams and waterways of the South West of Western Australia”.
Screen Australia, Head of First Nations Angela Bates said:
“Audiences everywhere have been captivated by the rich characters, intricate backstories, and powerful themes explored throughout the Mystery Road world. We’re thrilled to be supporting this talented creative team as they deliver an exciting new chapter for Jay Swan and Mary Allen, who navigate the complexities of a new town, confront racism, and uncover hidden crimes of the past.”
Screenwest CEO, Rikki Lea Bestall said:
“A big welcome back to Bunya Productions and the ABC. We are so proud to have now hosted four seasons of this critically-acclaimed series in Western Australia. This time the majestic forests of Pemberton in the South West will provide the backdrop for Jay and Mary as they navigate their new life together. Congratulations to Greer, David and the entire Mystery Road team.”
Head of Screen NSW, Kyas Hepworth said:
“Screen NSW is delighted to support another season of the critically acclaimed Mystery Road: Origin. Audiences in Australia and overseas can’t get enough of detective Jay Swan and I look forward to seeing where Bunya Productions and the creative team will take this next chapter in the franchise.”
All3Media International, EVP Content Maartje Horchner said:
“Bunya Productions are celebrated for their cinematic, compelling, character-driven storytelling, so we are thrilled to once again partner with this exceptional team on the next chapter of Mystery Road: Origin. This acclaimed crime series, featuring some of Australia’s leading talent, has previously travelled to leading broadcasters across the globe, and we’re incredibly proud to bring this highly anticipated second season to our scripted slate.”
Mystery Road: Origin season two will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2025.
Relive Mystery Road: Origin season one & discover a range of compelling First Nations stories on ABC iview now.
Mystery Road: Origin on ABC and ABC iview – in 2025
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ABC Upfronts 2025 | Mystery Road: Origin
