Sam Neill and The Twelve heading to WA for the courtroom drama’s second turn

With Nine Logie nominations, a gritty Aussie drama has been approved for another season.

Massive Aussie TV hit The Twelve has been greenlit for a second season.

The Foxtel courtroom drama – which had one of the biggest ensemble casts seen on Australian television, and was headed up by Sam Neill, Marta Dusseldorp, Kate Mulvany and Brooke Satchwell, will head west for its new series as part of the WA Production Attraction Incentive.

Binge executive director Alison Hurbert-Burns said production would start in the coming months.

“WA we are coming – Binge is bringing The Twelve, one of Australia’s most premium and awarded drama series, to (you),” she said.

“We can’t wait to be on ground working with local creatives and talent to bring this gripping series to life, showcasing Perth along with the incredible WA countryside.”

Sam Neill, Kate Mulvany and Marta Dusseldorp headed up a huge ensemble cast for the first series of Foxtel Group’s gritty courtroom drama The Twelve. Picture: Brook Rushton/Foxtel

While cast are yet to be announced, it’s anticipated two-time AACTA winner Neill will reprise his role as defence barrister Brett Colby. It’s also expected the new eight, 60-minute episode series will follow a similar premise as the first – with a murder case at the centre of the storyline, but with a new batch of jurors at the backbone of The Twelve.

Season one of the gritty drama launched to critical reviews, receiving 10 nominations and winning three AACTA Awards in 2022, including Best Miniseries. It is the most nominated drama series at next month’s Logies, up for a whopping nine awards.

Neill has been honoured with a double nomination for the Silver Logie for both most popular and most outstanding actor. He’s joined by his co-stars Mulvaney and Dusseldorp, who have been nominated for the Silver Logie for most outstanding actress.

AACTA award-winning actor Sam Neill is expected to reprise his role as defence barrister Brett Colby. Picture: Supplied

The WA Production Attraction Incentive was designed to attract high-profile screen productions to the state, and adds to the state government’s $105 million election commitment to building a world-class film studio in Perth.

WA culture and the arts minister David Templeman said this investment into the local screen industry was establishing the state as a sought-after filming destination, and he looked forward to welcoming similar world-class projects.

“Enticing a high-calibre, premium series like The Twelve to film in WA is an incredible outcome …,” he said.

“The Twelve will be the biggest-ever production to take place in WA, and we are excited to work with Binge, Warner Bros International Television Production Australia and Easy Tiger as they embark on producing this second series.

“We have fantastic local talent, breathtaking locations and incentives on offer – Western Australia is open for business.”

Sarah Walker, Anchuli Felicia King, Anya Beyersdorf and Anna Barnes have penned the next instalment following a controversial murder trial seen through the lens of the jurors – 12 ordinary Australians, who are facing their own realities and struggles. WA’s Stevie Cruz-Martin (Safe Home, The Tailings) and Ben Young (Hounds of Love, Clickbait) will direct along with Mark Joffe (Jack Irish).

Originally published as Sam Neill and The Twelve heading to WA for the courtroom drama’s second turn