Last year, it was revealed that Disney would be releasing a special extended and reimagined version of the 20th Century Studios film by Baz Luhrmann, “Australia”, as a new six-episode series called “Faraway Downs”.

“Faraway Downs” tells the story of an English aristocrat, Lady Sarah Ashley, who inherits a large cattle ranch in Australia after her husband dies. When Australian cattle barons plot to take her land, she joins forces with a cattle drover to protect her ranch. The story is explored through the eyes of young Nullah, a bi-racial Indigenous Australian child caught up in the government’s draconian racial policy now referred to as the “Stolen Generations.” The trio experiences four life-altering years, a love affair between Sarah and the drover and the unavoidable impact of World War II.

The series stars Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, Bryan Brown, Brandon Walters, and Ben Mendelsohn.  While filming the movie, there was lots of footage shot, that wasn’t included in the film, including three different endings.  So, the new series will feature an all-new ending plus an updated soundtrack.

According to THR, the series will debut at the first-ever SXSW Sydney Screen Festival later this month, which takes place between October 15th to 21st 2023, with the series premiering on October 21st.  The new “Faraway Down” series will then be released simultaneously on Hulu in the United States and as a Star Original on Star+ in Latin America and on Disney+ in all other countries around the world on November 26th 2023.

Baz Luhrmann, said in a statement:

“I was inspired to re-approach my film Australia to create Faraway Downs because of the way episodic storytelling has been reinvigorated by the streaming world.  With over 2 million feet of film from the original piece, my team and I were able to revisit anew the central themes of the work. I am honored to world premiere “Faraway Downs” in Australia, the place that has inspired me and my work my entire life, and with a partner like SXSW who deeply recognizes the intersection of film, television, and music with storytelling.”

Colin Daniels, SXSW Sydney Managing Director, added:

“We are so happy to be sharing the creative work of Baz Luhrmann and the entire Faraway Downs team at Australia’s first ever SXSW Sydney.”

20th Television has worked on the new series, which is produced by Catherine Knapman and G. Mac Brown, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann, alongside writers Stuart Beattie, Ronald Harwood, and Richard Flanagan, with production and costume design by multiple-Academy Award winner Catherine Martin. “Faraway Downs” is executive produced by Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, Knapman, and Schuyler Weiss.

While we wait for the release of “Faraway Downs”, you can watch “Australia” on Hulu in the United States and on Disney+ in many countries, including the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

Are you looking forward to watching “Faraway Downs”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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