Cast announced for Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s epic novel Boy Swallows Universe

Netflix has announced the cast for the TV adaptation of Trent Dalton’s celebrated novel, Boy Swallows Universe.

The announcement comes as production for the eight-part series, from Australia’s Brouhaha Entertainment, together with Anonymous Content and Chapter One, commences in Brisbane.

Leading the cast is Vikings star Travis Fimmel as Lyle Orlik. Simon Baker will star Robert Bell, and Phoebe Tonkin will take on Frances Bell.

The central roles of young Eli and Gus Bell will be played by Penguin Bloom’s Felix Cameron and WA’s own Lee Tiger Halley, first seen in the ABC drama, The Heights.

The pivotal central role of Slim Halliday will be played by iconic Aussie actor Bryan Brown, while Anthony La Paglia taking on Tytus Broz.

Sophie Wilde completes the core cast as Caitlyn Spies, with Christopher James Baker starring as Ivan Kroll, HaiHa Le as Bich Dang, Deborah Mailman as Poppy Birkbeck and Ben O’Toole as Teddy.

The series has been adapted for the small screen by writer John Collee, best known for his work on Master and Commander, Happy Feet and Hotel Mumbai.

The book’s author took to Instagram today to sing the praises of his new cast.

“ALL THESE BRILLIANT STARS IN MY UNIVERSE! The wondrous cast of the @netflix adaptation of BOY SWALLOWS UNIVERSE has been announced and it’s OUT OF THIS F—KING WORLD!” he wrote.

The series will debut on Netflix at some point in 2023.