Brisbane’s cultural triumph: ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ showcases city on Netflix

Brisbane is being showcased to the world as the Netflix adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe hits screens globally.

Georgia Clelland

@georgiclelland

2 min read

January 11, 2024 - 7:58AM

Cast of 'Boy Swallows Universe' share their experience filming in Brisbane

Entertainment

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Brisbane – or at least the 1980s version of it – is about to be showcased to the world, with the Netflix adaptation of Trent Dalton’s hit novel Boy Swallows Universe premiering in Queensland tonight.

The seven-part series will drop on Netflix at 6pm, and has already won rave reviews.

The semi-autobiographical novel was based on Dalton’s tumultuous Brisbane childhood, and the small-screen adaptation was filmed around the city.

Those familiar with Brisbane will recognise locations including the suburban streets of Geebung, Moorooka, Greenslopes, King George Square, the iconic Story Bridge, and even a Pacific Motorway underpass.

The series’ cast, which includes luminaries such as Bryan Brown and Simon Baker alongside younger stars Phoebe Tonkin and Travis Fimmel, were in Brisbane for Tuesday night’s world premiere at New Farm Cinemas.

And all have expressed their appreciation for the River City.

Fimmel, famed for his role in Vikings, said he would “100 per cent” film in Brisbane again, fondly recalling his time off-set, especially his visits to the local watering holes such as New Farm’s Queens Arms Hotel.

Tonkin said she fell in love with Queensland’s relaxed pace during her six-month stay.

“I love, love Brisbane,” she said.

“It was just such a nice period of my life. Friends would visit, I drove to Noosa, and just being in this area was awesome. Big fan of Brisbane.”

Brisbane fans and Boy Swallows Universe cast members Travis Fimmel, Bryan Brown, Phoebe Tonkin and Simon Baker. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Baker, meanwhile, valued the proximity to his home in northern New South Wales.

“I live only a couple of hours away; that was the best part,” he said, highlighting the convenience and comfort that Brisbane offered.

“Logistically, I’ve never worked as close to home before. And I mean, I stayed up here during the week, but I went home on the weekends. And it was it was a treat.”

Brisbane’s transformation over the years impressed Australian acting legend Brown.

“Brisbane has become a pretty sharp city,” he said.

“I remember coming here 50 years ago, thinking then ‘I’ve arrived in this small country town’ but I think Brisbane’s very sharp now.

“I look forward to having the Olympics and I think it’ll carry them off great.”

The production of Boy Swallows Universe not only brought the stars to Brisbane but had a significant economic impact, creating jobs for 185 cast and crew members and more than 2500 extras.

Adding to the excitement, the VIP premiere at New Farm Cinemas was a resounding success, with Brisbane’s elite previewing the first two episodes and sharing glowing reviews.

B105 radio host Abby Coleman was captivated, describing it as “an amazing production with unbelievable talented cast”.

TV personality Kendall Gilding, in a heartfelt Instagram post, praised the adaptation for doing justice to the book.

“If you loved the book, you’ll LOVE the show! Wow did they do this tale justice on screen! Thank you @rentdaltonauthor for letting us fall in love with this story & your characters all over again!”