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25 11 2020 - Media release

Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths return for more Total Control

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Rachel Griffiths and Deborah Mailman

ABC and Screen Australia are thrilled to announce that in 2021, two of Australia’s most popular stars Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths, return to the corridors of power, in a new series of the hit drama Total Control. 

The first series - a standout success, embraced by critics and audiences alike - saw political newcomer Alex Irving (Deborah Mailman) engineering a remarkable coup, unseating the Prime Minister and the woman who betrayed her, Rachel Anderson (Rachel Griffiths). But now Alex faces the ultimate test in a democratic system: the nation is going to the polls and she will have to face the judgement of the people.

Alex’s passionate determination to make things better for her people appears doomed to failure. She turns her back on the entrenched ways of doing politics and declares she’ll stand for her home electorate as an Independent. As the pressure on Alex intensifies, she will have to make a choice, between her own integrity and her increasingly desperate and dangerous ambition.

Guided by the ambitious vision of Blackfella Films, with Wayne Blair signing on to direct and a talented team of writers including Stuart Page, Larissa Behrendt, Angela Betzien, Pip Karmel and Nakkiah Lui, Total Control series two is guaranteed to be an Australian television event. 

ABC Head of Indigenous Kelrick Martin says “The first series of Total Control was so successful for ABC, it really was impossible to say no to another. Deb Mailman brings a unique quality to the character of Alex Irving that’s irrepressible, authentic and raw. Alongside the extraordinarily talented Rachel Griffiths, and directed by the assured hand of Wayne Blair, we hope everyone straps themselves in for the drama ahead in series two.”

Darren Dale from Blackfella Films adds “When the two powerhouses of Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths lit up our screens in Total Control we knew it was just the beginning. Season 2 will take the story to new heights that both reflect and define the extraordinary social and political challenges of our times. Get ready for drama like we have never seen on our screens before.”

Penny Smallacombe, Head of Indigenous at Screen Australia says, “We’re proud to support season two of this masterful series. The cracking team of writers have created more dynamic and nuanced scripts that don’t shy away from contemporary issues while maintaining heart, hope and intrigue. I can’t wait to see Deb Mailman back for the captivating second season of Total Control on our screens next year.”

Total Control will film in Canberra, Sydney and regional Queensland and premiere on ABC next year. 

Production credit: A Blackfella Films production. Major production investment from ABC and Screen Australia’s Indigenous Department. Financed with support from Screen NSW with Screen Queensland and Screen ACT. Producer Darren Dale.  Executive Producers Rachel Griffiths and Stuart Page. ABC Executive Producers Kelrick Martin and Sally Riley. International Distributor is All3Media International.

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