Cate Blanchett has another TV project in the works. On the heels of directing and casting news for “Mrs. America,” the FX show in which she’ll portray Phyllis Schlafly, there’s word the two-time Oscar winner will star in six-part series “Stateless.” According to Variety, Blanchett created the immigration detention center-set project with Elise McCredie (“Jack Irish”) and Tony Ayres (“Nowhere Boys”). The limited series is features an all-women writing and directing team.
“Stateless” tells the story of four strangers in an immigration detention center in the Australian desert: “a flight attendant escaping a suburban cult, an Afghan refugee fleeing persecution, a young Australian father escaping a dead-end job, and a bureaucrat caught up in a national scandal.” The source synopsizes: “Each character deals with the contradictions of protection and border control from a unique perspective, offering relevant and timely insight into issues that countries are grappling with around the world.”
“Whilst this story centers on Australia, the dilemmas that it explores through four absorbing characters will resonate globally: the desire for personal freedom, the need for social stability, an escalating lack of faith in the political process, and the deeply unsettling impact this has on individual lives,” Blanchett said.
Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid’s Tale”) and Dominic West (“The Affair”) will star alongside Blanchett. “Stateless'” cast also includes Rachel House (“Hunt for the Wilderpeople”), Kate Box (“Rake”), Rose Riley (“Mystery Road”), and Helana Sawires (“Ali’s Wedding”).
Blanchett is among the executive producers. McCredie and Belinda Chayko (“Lou”) penned the series, and Emma Freeman (“Glitch”) and Jocelyn Moorhouse (“The Dressmaker”) are directing. McCredie will serve as showrunner.
Producing are Blanchett’s Dirty Films shingle, the Australian Broadcasting Corp., Screen Australia, and Matchbox Pictures. NBCUniversal is overseeing worldwide distribution.
“We were pleased to support the development of this landmark series, with its all-female writing and directing team, including some of Australia’s leading key creatives,” commented Courtney Gibson, chief executive of the South Australian Film Corp.
“The House with a Clock in Its Walls,” “Ocean’s Eight,” and “Thor: Ragnarok” are among Blanchett’s recent credits. She won Oscars for her roles in “Blue Jasmine” and “The Aviator” and received nods for “Carol,” “Elizabeth: The Golden Age,” “I’m Not There,” “Notes on a Scandal,” and “Elizabeth.” Her upcoming projects include Maria Semple adaptation “Where’d You Go, Bernadette,” out August 16, and Lucille Ball biopic “Lucy and Desi.”
