by FilmInk Staff
Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand (PRH) is thrilled to announce that After the Siren, by author Darcy Green [left], has been optioned for the screen in a newly inked deal with Mad Ones Films (Jimpa, Homebodies).
The news comes as Green and PRH announce the second book in the Brunswick Falcons series, Home Ground, to release in early 2027.
After the Siren is a queer enemies-to-lovers romance taking place inside a fictional AFL team, the Brunswick Falcons.
‘From the moment we read After the Siren, we fell in love with Theo, Jake and the world of the Brunswick Falcons. Darcy Green has written an AFL romance that is sharp, funny and heartfelt. We can’t wait to assemble our team to bring it to the screen.’ – Liam Heyen, Producer Mad Ones Films
‘We couldn’t be happier to be pairing this exceptional queer romance with the Mad Ones team, who have been championing queer stories from the jump. In a growing genre for book-to-screen adaptations globally, it’s high time we had a homegrown version that speaks to our local love for AFL’ – Liz Burnett, Strategic IP and Media Development Lead, Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand
Home Ground expands the Brunswick Falcons universe with a romance that asks what happens after things don’t go the way you expected, featuring forced proximity, reluctant attraction, and plenty of footy. It releases on 19th January 2027.
‘I’m delighted to have the chance to share another queer footy story with readers, and it makes it extra special to be sharing the details aboutHome Ground alongside this option announcement. A lot of readers have told me how much fun they had reading After the Siren, and I know the Mad Ones team is as passionate as I am about telling joyful queer stories. I can’t think of safer hands for Jake, Theo, and the world of the Brunswick Falcons.’ – Darcy Green, Author After the Siren and Home Ground
Mad Ones Films is based in Sydney, Australia and focuses on producing film and television that champion LGBTQI+ and female-led stories and creatives. Their first feature film Jimpa was released theatrically in 2026 after premiering at Sundance Film Festival, and stars Academy Award winner Olivia Colman. Their sophomore feature film is the directorial debut of Tilda Cobham-Hervey — It’s All Going Very Well — in which she stars alongside Academy Award nominee Jonathan Pryce and is due for release in 2027. Their past episodic work includes the groundbreaking series Latecomers (SBS/CBC/Arte), which won the AACTA Award for Best Online Drama or Comedy, and the recently released Homebodies (SBS), which premiered at Series Mania and has been nominated for two TV Week Logie Awards.
