Redland actor Caelan McCarthy shines in TV miniseries of Flanaghan novel ‘The Narrow Road’

Former Cleveland High student Caelan McCarthy stars in The Narrow Road to the Deep North, debuting at the prestigious Berlinale film festival this week before it hits TV screens in April.

Ex-Cleveland State High school actor Caelan McCarthy is set to make his TV screen debut.

Former Creative Arts student from Cleveland District State High School, Caelan McCarthy, is set to make waves on Australian television in the cast to bring the acclaimed Aussie novel to life in the anticipated TV series The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

The miniseries, featuring leading man Jacob Elordi, will premiere globally this month at the prestigious Berlinale International Film Festival before launching on Amazon Prime in April.

Based on Tasmanian author Richard Flanagan’s multi-award-winning novel, The Narrow Road to the Deep North is poised to become one of Australia’s greatest contributions to the film industry.

The series delves into the haunting experiences of Australian prisoners of war on the Thai-Burma Railway during World War II, blending historical drama with powerful storytelling.

Production of the five-part drama, produced by Prime Video, Curio Pictures, and Sony Pictures Television, wrapped in New South Wales in March last year.

It adapts the novel into the miniseries which weaves an epic tale of love and loss set against the shadows of World War II.

Screenwriter Shaun Grant and director Justin Kurzel (Nitram, Assassin’s Creed, Macbeth) brought the story to life on the small screen.

Elordi stars as Lieutenant-Colonel Dorrigo Evans, whose brief, yet powerful, love affair with Amy Mulvaney, played by Odessa Young, shapes his life.

Odessa Young and Jacob Elordi bring the Richard Flanaghan novel Narrow Road to the Deep North to life in a TV miniseries.

The story traverses multiple time periods, depicting Evans’ journey from childhood to his harrowing experiences as a prisoner-of-war on the Thailand-Burma Railway, and later, as a respected surgeon and Australian war hero.

Described by producers as “a love story to sustain audiences through the darkest of times”, the series explores the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Elordi and Young are joined by a stellar cast, including McCarthy, and Ciarán Hinds (Belfast) as the older Dorrigo Evans, Olivia DeJonge (Elvis), and Simon Baker (Limbo, Breath).

McCarthy’s journey from the classrooms of Cleveland High to the international stage is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing creative talent.

Caelan McCarthy got his taste for acting at Cleveland District State High School.

In The Narrow Road to the Deep North, the talented singer and musician portrays Chum Fahey, a secondary character navigating the challenges of friendship and survival amid the harsh realities of war.

He shares the screen with Elordi, known for his roles in Euphoria and The Kissing Booth, and together they deliver a powerful performance.

Speaking about his experience, the Redland Bay-based actor McCarthy expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring such a complex character to life.

“Working alongside such talented actors and being part of a story that resonates on a global scale has been a dream come true,” he said.

“I’m incredibly grateful for my time at CDSHS – it laid the foundation for my career,” he shared.

Richard Flanaghan’s novel Narrow Road to the Deep North is brought to life in the miniseries.

Known for its robust Creative Arts program, Cleveland High has produced numerous successful performers, including cast members at the Moulin Rouge, Six the Musical, Home and Away, and international cruise ship productions.

Principal Leonard McKeown said he was proud of McCarthy’s achievements, highlighting the significance of his role in inspiring current students.

“Caelan’s success is a shining example of what our students can achieve with passion, dedication, and the right guidance. We couldn’t be prouder of him,” he said.

The global premiere at the Berlinale International Film Festival this week is set to be a landmark moment in McCarthy’s burgeoning career with his fans eagerly awaiting his Amazon Prime debut on April 18.

Originally published as Redland actor Caelan McCarthy shines in TV miniseries of Flanaghan novel ‘The Narrow Road’