Asher Keddie and David Wenham to Lead and Co-Produce Paramount+ Australia’s “Deceptive Love” Thriller Series

In a major entertainment development, renowned actor Asher Keddie is set to both star in and co-produce an upcoming drama-thriller series, “Deceptive Love,” commissioned by Paramount+ Australia.

With a distinguished career in television and film, Asher Keddie has earned acclaim for her recent performances in projects such as “The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart,” “Nine Perfect Strangers,” and “Stateless.” Notable among her movie credits are appearances in “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” and the quirky comedy “Rams.” Joining her in this exciting venture is fellow actor David Wenham, known for his impressive filmography that includes works like “SeaChange,” “Elvis,” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers & The Return of the King.”

“Deceptive Love” revolves around Keddie’s character, a brilliant and intelligent writer who believes she has found her perfect match on a dating app, portrayed by David Wenham, a successful rancher. However, as their relationship deepens, she begins to unravel the startling truth that her boyfriend is not all he appears to be.

The series takes inspiration from Stephanie Wood’s book “Fake” and was adapted for television by esteemed screenwriter Anya Beyersdorf. Award-winning director Emma Freeman, known for her work on “Secret City,” “Glitch,” and “The Newsreader,” will helm the project.

The eight-part series will be produced by Kindling Pictures, with Imogen Banks (“Safe Home,” “Offspring”) and Emelyne Palmer (“Safe Home,” “RFDS”) serving as producers. The production has received significant investment from Paramount ANZ and Screen Australia, in partnership with regional agency VicScreen. While the anticipated release date for “Deceptive Love” is set for 2024, specific production details, including shooting locations, are yet to be confirmed. International sales for the series will be handled by Entertainment One (eOne).

Grainne Brunsdon, Head of Content at Screen Australia, expressed excitement about supporting “Deceptive Love,” noting that it promises to be an engaging addition to the Australian television landscape, delving into themes of love, trust, and the complexities of authenticity in the modern world.

Sophia Mogford, Executive Producer of Drama and Comedy at Paramount ANZ, described “Deceptive Love” as a nuanced and captivating story that revolves around the relatable concept of “it would never happen to me,” making it a promising addition to the entertainment world.