Starring Brenton Thwaites And Phoebe Tonkin. Coming To Paramount+ In 2026.
Paramount+ Australia and Screen Australia today announced that filming has commenced in Brisbane on the Paramount+ original series Two Years Later, a poignant, funny, and deeply relatable romantic drama starring acclaimed Australian actors Brenton Thwaites (Pirates of the Caribbean, Titans, Maleficent) and Phoebe Tonkin (Boy Swallows Universe, Bloom, Babylon).
Created by screenwriter Pete Bridges and produced by Emmy® and BAFTA Award-winning production company, Hoodlum, Two Years Later is an eight-part romantic dramedy set in a post-pandemic world, following thirty-somethings Emily (Tonkin) and Ryan (Thwaites) whose brief, daily flirtations on their work commute aboard a bus are abruptly cut off by COVID-19.
Two years later, they reconnect unexpectedly, and Ryan impulsively proposes they go on eight dates to decide if they’re meant to be married. Together, they navigate personal revelations, unexpected family drama, professional upheavals, and their contrasting worldview – all while discovering genuine intimacy.
With Brisbane providing the perfect mix of heart and hustle as the backdrop, this series is a modern love story that evolves across a span of eight dates. What follows is a tender, funny, and unfiltered exploration of love, identity, ambition, and the winding path to true intimacy.
Brenton Thwaites is known for his breakout role in The Giver and blockbusters including Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, where he starred opposite Johnny Depp. He brought a grounded emotional core to the DC superhero series Titans as the lead role of Dick Grayson, and has built a career blending action and drama, both in Hollywood and at home. Two Years Later marks a return to more intimate storytelling for Thwaites, showcasing his versatility and dramatic range.
Phoebe Tonkin rose to international prominence in The Vampire Diaries spin-off The Originals, and first captivated audiences as Cleo in the global teen hit H2O: Just Add Water. Her range spans genre and form, from the emotionally charged Bloom and the gritty hit Boy Swallows Universe to feature films such as Damien Chazelle’s Babylon. She continues to establish herself as one of Australia’s most versatile talents across television, film, and behind the camera as a director and producer.
Starring alongside Thwaites and Tonkin are veteran actors Roy Billing (Underbelly, Jack Irish) and Heather Mitchell (Love Me, The Unusual Suspects, Fake), bringing heart and depth to a multi-generational story of romance and resilience.
Daniel Monaghan, SVP Content and Programming, Paramount Australia said: “Two Years Later is unlike anything else on screen, intimate, honest, and refreshingly grounded. Phoebe and Brenton bring extraordinary nuance and chemistry to a story that celebrates the messiness of modern dating.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said: “Two Years Later is a lively exploration of modern romance, grounded in humour and realism. Hoodlum have a strong track record of delivering emotionally rich stories and under the direction of Emma Freeman I’ve no doubt Pete Bridges’ universally appealing storytelling will capture the hearts of audiences here and around the world.”
Screen Queensland CEO Jacqui Feeney said the agency is proud to support Two Years Later through its Screen Finance Fund and Post, Digital and Visual Effect (PDV) Incentive.
“This captivating new Australian drama series from Queensland’s own Hoodlum shines a spotlight on our exceptional homegrown talent. Set against a vibrant Brisbane backdrop, with a screenplay by local writer Pete Bridges, and post-production taking place right here in Queensland, the series is testament to what our industry can achieve. We applaud Paramount+ for its ongoing commitment to bold, locally made stories that resonate with both Australian and global audiences.”
Tracey Vieira, Hoodlum’s producer said: ”We are thrilled to bring Pete Bridges’ compelling and beautifully written series, Two Years Later, to the screen, with the remarkable talents of Brenton Thwaites and Phoebe Tonkin leading the cast, and visionary director Emma Freeman at the helm. Partnering with Paramount+ and Banijay allows us to tell this deeply relatable, funny, and heartfelt story about connection, identity, and love in a post-pandemic world. It’s a joy and privilege to collaborate with such incredible creative talents to bring this truly special Australian story to audiences worldwide.”
Production Credits: A Hoodlum production. Major production investment from Screen Australia and Paramount ANZ, in association with Screen Queensland. Banijay Rights will handle international sales. Post, digital and visual effects supported by Screen Queensland.
Join the conversation:
www.ParamountPlus.com.au
@ParamountPlusAU
