Queer AFL Romance Novel 'After the Siren' Optioned by Mad Ones Films
Mad Ones Films has secured the rights to adapt Darcy Green's upcoming 2025 novel 'After the Siren' into a screen format. This queer romance revolves around the fictional Brunswick Falcons team and features an enemies-to-lovers plot. Currently, the company is in discussions with Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand, with the adaptation format yet to be determined. The novel is part of a growing trend in queer sports romance, gaining traction since the success of 'Heated Rivalry'. A sequel is anticipated for 2027. Known for its LGBTQIA+ narratives, Mad Ones Films has previously produced 'Jimpa' (2026) and the 2024 AACTA Award-winning 'Latecomers'. No release date for 'After the Siren' has been revealed.
Key facts
- Darcy Green's novel 'After the Siren' has been optioned by Mad Ones Films.
- The book is a queer AFL romance set in the fictional Brunswick Falcons team.
- The novel was published in 2025.
- A sequel is scheduled for 2027.
- The adaptation format (film or television) has not been confirmed.
- Mad Ones' film 'Jimpa' premiered at Sundance Film Festival in 2026.
- 'Latecomers' won the AACTA Award for Best Online Drama or Comedy in 2024.
- No release date has been announced for the adaptation.
Entities
Artists
- Darcy Green
- Liam Heyen
- Liz Burnett
- Claudia Karvan
- Leah J. Williams
- Arsineh Houspian
Institutions
- Mad Ones Films
- Penguin Random House Australia and New Zealand
- SBS
- Sundance Film Festival
- AACTA
- Australian Football League (AFL)
Locations
- Australia
- New Zealand