Stan and Screen Australia today announced the Stan Original Slander, produced by Blackfella Films, created by Rachel Griffiths and Marieke Hardy, and directed by Anne Renton. Starring Rachel Griffiths (Brothers & Sisters, The Wilds, Total Control), Slander dives into the high-stakes world of defamation law and will soon commence production in Melbourne.
Slander follows Adelaide Craig (Rachel Griffiths), one of the country’s most formidable defamation lawyers. After a hugely successful career in London, Adelaide moves back to Australia to establish an ambitious and groundbreaking women-led defamation chambers. Teaming up with sharp, tenacious solicitor Jasmine Maloney (Jessica De Gouw) and eager junior lawyer Leila Badim (Roxie Mohebbi), the trio shakes up the tight-knit legal world with their bold tactics and no-nonsense approach.
Alongside Rachel Griffiths, the ensemble cast features Jessica De Gouw (Stan Original Sunny Nights, The Union), Max Beesley (Jack Ryan: Ghost War, The Gentleman), Roxie Mohebbi (Homebodies, Stan Original Critical Incident, RUN), David Berry (Outlander, A Place to Call Home), Doris Younane (Stan Original The Killings at Parrish Station) and Lincoln Younes (Last King of The Cross).
Nine Entertainment’s Executive Director, Entertainment Content Commissioning, Michael Healy said: “Slander is a sharp, contemporary drama centering on formidable, aspirational female barristers who refuse to back down. Set against a backdrop where defamation constantly makes front-page headlines, the series delivers a compelling reflection on truth, reputation, and influence in today’s digital era. We are proud to partner with Blackfella Films for the first time to bring this high-stakes story to life.”
Producers Darren Dale and Penny Smallacombe, from Blackfella Films, said: “We’re thrilled to be reuniting with Rachel Griffiths on Slander — a series she has created and will star in alongside an extraordinary ensemble cast. From the moment Rachel brought us the idea, we were drawn to its wit, complexity and its very contemporary questions about reputation, power and who gets to control the story. We’re delighted to be making our first series with Stan, and to be bringing it to life in Melbourne with Marieke Hardy at the creative helm and Anne Renton directing, following her stellar work on My Brilliant Career. Slander is bold, provocative and hugely entertaining, and we can’t wait for audiences to enter its world.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “Rachel Griffiths and Marieke Hardy have created a sophisticated character-driven legal drama that explores the high-stakes world of defamation law through a distinctly Australian lens. Slander is anchored by complex, formidable female protagonists whose stories speak to power, justice and reputation. Blackfella Films has a longstanding reputation for producing distinctive local stories, and we are proud to support the team in bringing this ambitious new series to audiences.”
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said: “VicScreen is proud to support Slander, an incisive and timely female-led drama created by and starring Rachel Griffiths, with acclaimed writer Marieke Hardy leading the scripts. This riveting new series showcases the exceptional depth of Victorian screen talent, reflects our commitment to championing female creatives, and demonstrates the global appeal of stories made in Victoria. Slander will also deliver a $10 million boost to the Victorian economy and create more than 200 local jobs.”
The Stan Original Slander is produced by Blackfella Films (Total Control) and created by Rachel Griffiths and Marieke Hardy. Written by Marieke Hardy (Heartbreak High, Laid, Stan Original Sunny Nights), Tamara Asmar (NCIS: Sydney, Love Me) and Christine Bartlett (Five Bedrooms, The Newsreader, Offspring). Directed by Anne Renton (My Brilliant Career, The Good Doctor, Stan Original Good Cop/Bad Cop).
Executive Producers are Rachel Griffiths and Marieke Hardy. Michael Healy and Andy Ryan are the executive producers from the 9Network and Stan. Producers are Darren Dale and Penny Smallacombe.
The Stan Original Slander is a Blackfella Films production for Stan. Major production investment from Screen Australia and Stan, in association with 9Network Australia and VicScreen. International sales by Sphere Abacus.
The Stan Original Slander will soon commence production in Melbourne.
