Netflix has announced Queenstown, a new eight-part family drama set against New Zealand’s luxury ski scene. Rufus Sewell and Frances O’Connor lead the ensemble alongside Alycia Debnam-Carey and Te Kohe Tuhaka, bringing together a strong international cast for the series.
The series follows a privileged family and the people working for them as relationships begin to fracture over power, loyalty and desire. Anna Baryshnikov, Jamie Ward, BeBe Orleans, Alex FitzAlan and Tatum Warren-Ngata also join the cast, although Netflix has not yet revealed further plot or character details.
Sewell is known for The Diplomat, The Holiday and The Illusionist, while O’Connor recently appeared in Wednesday. Debnam-Carey’s credits include Apple Cider Vinegar and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, with Tuhaka previously starring in Chief of War and The Convert.
Queenstown was created by Chloe Stearns, whose credits include Wolf Like Me and the upcoming The Falling Girls. Glendyn Ivin, who directed The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, will lead the production alongside Avatar: The Last Airbender director Roseanne Liang.
Production is now underway in Queenstown, making the drama the first locally commissioned Netflix series from its Australia and New Zealand division to be set and filmed in New Zealand. The series is being made with support from the New Zealand Film Commission and the Screen Production Rebate.
Netflix Australia and New Zealand Content Director Amanda Duthie described the project as a story about power, class and family set within the luxury ski community. She also highlighted the opportunities being created for local crew, businesses and emerging talent during filming.
Jodi Matterson and Libbie Doherty executive produce through Silent Firework and Runaway Unicorn. Stearns, Ivin, Jeremy Platt and Erika North also serve as executive producers.
For CultureCues, Queenstown already has the ingredients for an addictive family drama. The New Zealand setting should look incredible on screen, while the mix of wealth, class and personal rivalries leaves plenty of room for secrets to emerge. With Rufus Sewell, Frances O’Connor and Alycia Debnam-Carey leading the cast, this is one we will be keeping an eye on as production continues.
Queenstown is now in production in New Zealand. Netflix has not yet announced a release date.
CultureCues Editorial is the house byline for short-form entertainment news, trailer updates, release announcements and industry coverage. All CultureCues content is overseen by founder and editor Nikki Murray.