Paramount+ UK series The Blue to double Thailand for Philippines and Australia

Paramount+ has ordered the original UK drama series The Blue, which is due to start filming in Thailand later this spring. 

The series is co-produced by All3Media's New Pictures (Des, White House Farm, The Missing) and Paramount's international studio division VIS. 

Based on Lucy Clarke’s best-selling novel, No Escape, the drama follows two best friends, Lana and Kitty, on the run from the UK police. Together they find refuge on a romantic yacht called The Blue, crewed by a group of enigmatic people who sail through South East Asia living the dream life. But The Blue harbours dark secrets and when greed and lust drive the crew to make some terrible moral compromises, it leads to the death of one of their own. The paradise and escape the girls thought they had found turns into a nightmare as Lana and Kitty find themselves far from home and in terrible danger. 

The series was commissioned by Paramount's UK deputy COO, Sebastian Cardwell, and will be directed by Hans Herbots (The Serpent, Cobra).

BAFTA Scotland award winner Abigail Lawrie (Tin Star) will play Lana with Rhianne Barreto (The Outlaws) as Kitty. Jay Ryan (It Chapter Two) joins the cast as Captain of The Blue, Aaron Winbourne, whilst Sean Keenan (The Power of the Dog) is Aaron’s younger, charming brother Denny. Jake Macapagal (Metro Manila) is Captain Rhys from the local Filipino Police force, investigating the mysteries onboard The Blue.

Kris Mrksa (White House Farm) is the lead series writer and will also serve as executive producers alongside New Pictures' Elaine Pyke and Willow Grylls. 

Cardwell said: “The Blue promises viewers a heady mix of intrigue and escapism, delivered by an ensemble cast of UK and international talent. 

“We have worked hard to develop a UK drama slate for Paramount+ which is distinct in its variety, with options for standalone hits as well as returning series. The Blue, together with the titles we have already announced and those on the way, will showcase the creative excellence of our local production community.”  

Pyke added: “Set against the wide-open waters of the Philippines, Australia and the UK, The Blue is the perfect antidote for a world ready to escape the confines of lockdown. An ambitious, puzzle box of a series set across three timelines, The Blue has scale, beauty, action and a gripping dark thriller storyline. Murder, money, treachery, loyalty and love - this is a show that twists and turns to keep everyone hooked.”

The Blue joins UK commissions, A Gentleman in Moscow, Sexy Beast and Flatshare for Paramount+.