Toni Collette Leads Apple TV's "Lenni", a Remake of Norwegian Drama "Pernille"
Toni Collette is set to star in "Lenni", a new Apple TV dramedy, meaning a series that mixes comedy and drama. Apple has greenlit the show, which means it has approved it to be made. The series is adapted from "Pernille", a Norwegian drama.
In "Lenni", Collette plays a child welfare worker and divorced mother of two. Deadline describes the show as a darkly comedic mystery about family, and says it follows a divorced social worker who tries to protect her loved ones after a family tragedy. Collette is also an executive producer, the role of helping to oversee a production from behind the scenes.
The cast also includes Ciarán Hinds, Dan Wyllie, Josh McKenzie, Celeste Barber, Genevieve Hegney, Arka Das and Wayne Blair.
Filming is underway in Sydney, Australia. Variety reports that the show is supported by the New South Wales government through Screen NSW's Made in NSW Fund, a state programme that backs productions made in the state. That means a local crew is working on the series in Sydney.
Sarah Scheller is adapting the Norwegian version and executive producing. Her credits include "Strife". Dearbhla Walsh is directing and executive producing, and her credits include "Bad Sisters". Made Up Stories and Keshet International are producing the show. Made Up Stories produced "Nine Perfect Strangers", and Keshet International produced "Homeland".
The original is known in Norway as "Pernille", and locally as "Pørni". It was produced by Monster for Viaplay, the Nordic streaming service. According to Deadline, Viaplay ran the series for three seasons, and Netflix aired its final two. "Pernille" creator Henriette Steenstrup is an executive producer on the new version. Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Katie Amos, Avi Nir, Keren Shahar, Bård Fjulsrud and Tanya Badendyck are also listed as executive producers.
Apple TV's own listing describes "Pernille" as a drama about a single mother juggling her family and a sick father. Netflix's description of "Pørni" follows a woman who looks after three teenagers, an ageing father and vulnerable children while working in social services, and who finds little time for herself. The new series keeps the family at the centre, with Lenni's job and home life pulling in different directions.
What comes next is a matter for the schedule. Apple has not announced a premiere date, so viewers will have to wait for the streamer to name a launch window.
