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Jacqueline McKenzie, Gary Sweet, Bella Heathcote board ‘Bloom 2’

Phoebe Tonkin and Bryan Brown.

Jacqueline McKenzie, Gary Sweet, Bella Heathcote, Toby Schmitz, Jackson Heywood, Scott Lee and Ed Oxenbould are new additions to the cast of Stan’s Bloom, the second season of which is now shooting in regional Victoria.

Greg McLean and Sian Davies (who both directed episodes of Stan’s The Gloaming) are directing the six-part supernatural drama created and written by Glen Dolman, produced by Sue Seeary for Playmaker Media. Geoffrey Hall is the DOP.

Jacki Weaver, Bryan Brown, Phoebe Tonkin, Genevieve Morris, John Stanton, Anne Charleston, Terry Norris and Thomas Ersatz are all returning.

In the first series the residents of a small country town were left reeling after a “fountain of youth” appeared in the wake of a devastating flood. A mysterious plant with luminous berries gave those who consumed it a second chance to return to their prime. The results were miraculous for some while others were corrupted and fought to possess it.

In season two news of the miracle has spread but the plant itself has transformed and the experience and its side effects are far more severe. With miracle-seekers arriving, a battle between science, nature and faith erupts.

Stan commissioned the sequel after the series directed by John Curran and Mat King broke the platform’s viewing records when it premiered on New Year’s Day and it was sold widely to international markets including the US, the UK and Europe by Sony Pictures Television. The UK’s Channel 5 acquired the show for its VOD service My5.

Playmaker Media’s David Maher said: “Our story takes a gripping turn in series two with human remorse caught in a struggle between science and religion.”

Screen Australia head of content Sally Caplan noted this is Stan’s fifth original drama to receive Screen Australia funding. “With such an impressive cast and experienced team including talented directors Greg McLean and Sian Davies, this season will build on the themes of series one and I’m sure will be a must-watch series,” she said.

Film Victoria CEO Caroline Pitcher added: “The response to Bloom from audiences here and abroad was incredible – a testament to the vision of Victorian writer Glen Dolman and its extraordinary cast and crew. We’re thrilled to see this Stan Original Series return to regional Victoria, bringing with it once again a wide range of opportunities and economic benefits to local communities.”