Toni Collette to Lead Apple TV Dramedy ‘Lenni’ Based on Norwegian Format

Toni Collette is set to star in a new Apple TV dramedy based on the Norwegian show “Pernille,” Variety has learned.

Titled “Lenni,” Collette will lead the cast of the series along with Ciarán Hinds (“Game of Thrones”), Dan Wyllie (“Love My Way”), Josh McKenzie (“La Brea”), Celeste Barber (“The Letdown”), Genevieve Hegney (“Colin From Accounts”), Arka Das (“The Airport Chaplain”) and Wayne Blair (“Total Control”).

The logline for the series states, “Lenni (Collette), a child welfare worker and divorced mother of two, spends her days fighting for other people’s families while her own is in a constant state of hilarious chaos. The season follows Lenni through a new case, where the stakes couldn’t be higher as her work and personal life collides.”

Production on the series is now underway in Sydney, Australia. Sarah Scheller (“The Letdown,” “Strife”) is adapting the Norwegian version and executive producing, with Dearbhla Walsh (“Bad Sisters,” “Margos Got Money Troubles”) directing and executive producing. Collette is an executive producer in addition to starring. Made Up Stories and Keshet International produce, with Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky, Katie Amos, Avi Nir, and Keren Shahar executive producing. Pernille” creator Henriette Steenstrup is also an executive producer, alongside Bård Fjulsrud and Tanya Badendyck. “Pernille” is produced by Monster for Viaplay. The series is supported by the NSW Government through Screen NSW’s Made in NSW Fund.

Collette recently starred in the Netflix series “Wayward” and previously led shows like “United States of Tara” at Showtime. Her other TV credits include “The Staircase,” “Pieces of Her,” and “Unbelievable.” She is a five-time Emmy nominee and a one-time winner for “United States of Tara.” In film, Collette received an Academy Award nomination for “The Sixth Sense” and has also starred in acclaimed films like “Hereditary,” “Little Miss Sunshine,” “The Hours,” and “About a Boy.”

She is repped by CAA, United Management, FINLEY Management, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.