Watch Brendan Cowell in Plum, ABC’s new drama exploring the toll of head injuries in sport. Premieres 20 October.
A new drama series, Plum, led by Brendan Cowell and Asher Keddie, is set to debut on ABC in October. The six-part series, adapted from Brendan Cowell’s novel of the same name, centres around a former sporting icon grappling with the long-term effects of multiple head injuries sustained throughout his career.
Created, written, and executive produced by Cowell, with co-writing contributions from Fiona Seres (Love My Way, The Great), Plum boasts a notable creative team. The series is directed by Wayne Blair (Total Control, Mystery Road) and Margie Beattie (Bump).
The ensemble cast includes a mix of established Australian talent and international names, such as Susie Porter (Wentworth, Cargo), Jemaine Clement (Avatar: The Way of Water, Flight of the Conchords), Charlotte Friels (The Dressmaker, Nitram), and Crystal Nguyen (Erotic Stories). Additional cast members include Talijah Blackman-Corowa (Black Snow), Andy Ryan (Janet King), Janet Anderson (Last King of the Cross), Jenni Baird (The Twelve, A Place to Call Home), and Matt Nable (Barracuda, The Twelve). Special guest appearances are slated from rugby league greats Andrew “Joey” Johns, Mark “Spudd” Carroll, Paul Gallen, and James Graham.
At the heart of Plum is Peter “The Plum” Lum (played by Brendan Cowell), a former football legend now facing the physical and emotional toll of his past. Retired and nearing 50, Plum resides in Cronulla, dealing with the typical aches and pains of a life spent on the field. His quiet existence revolves around his teenage son Gavin (played by Vincent Miller, Inside), his girlfriend Charmayne (María Dupláa, The One), and casual nights at the local pub with his mates Brick (John Tui, Young Rock), Squeaky (Josh McConville, Elvis), and Magic Matt (Wayne McDaniel, Reckoning).
However, Plum’s seemingly comfortable life is upended after a workplace accident leads to a diagnosis of a brain disorder caused by years of repeated head trauma. Rather than confront this troubling news, Plum turns to denial, choosing to drink with friends and avoid facing his deteriorating condition.
The repercussions of his refusal to accept the diagnosis ripple through his relationships, especially with his son, who begins to understand that his father’s glory days may have come at a higher cost than he realised. Plum’s ex-wife, played by Asher Keddie, also becomes an increasingly significant figure, as she struggles to help him confront his condition.
Plum is commissioned by ABC and produced by Roadshow Rough Diamond and Modern Convict Films. It has received major investment from Screen Australia and the ABC, with further support from Screen NSW. International distribution is handled by Entertainment One. In addition to Cowell as creator and executive producer, the production team includes John Edwards, Dan Edwards, and Jonathan Duncan, with Louise Smith, Rachel Okine, and Alex Baldwin serving as executive producers for ABC.
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