Diane Kruger, Jo Joyner Set to Lead Psychological Thriller ‘Little Disasters’ at Paramount+

By K.J. Yossman

(According To The variety) Diana Kruger and Jo Joyner are set to lead a new psychological thriller titled “Little Disasters” at Paramount+ U.K. and Ireland.

Based on the novel by Sarah Vaughan (“Anatomy of a Scandal”), the series will explore female friendships and motherhood through the lens of four women “with little in common apart from their due dates.”

Kruger (“Troy”) will play Jess while Joyner (“The Wives”) plays doctor Liz. The quartet is rounded out by Shelley Conn (“Bridgerton”) as corporate lawyer Charlotte and Emily Taaffe (“The Rising”) as free-spirited Mel.

“When Jess takes her baby daughter to hospital with a head injury that she can’t explain, her close friend and on-duty A&E doctor Liz must make the excruciating decision of whether to call social services on her longtime friend,” reads the logline. “This decision sets in motion a chain of events that show how one moment can fracture and nearly destroy entire families and friendships.” Also joining the cast are JJ Feild (“Turn”) as Ed, who is rich but overstretched, and Ben Bailey Smith (“Star Wars: Andor”) as Liz’s husband Nick. Stephen Campbell Moore (“The History Boys”) plays Rob, Mel’s husband.

“I think this series will offer a relatable story which examines the crippling judgement levied upon mothers by society,” said Kruger. “The story so wonderfully explores the fragility of reputation, with the rapid unravelling of Jess’ seemingly perfect life. I can’t wait to begin developing Jess’s character and explore the challenges of motherhood through her eyes.”

“Little Disasters,” which has already started shooting, is produced by Roughcut Television in association with Fremantle. Eva Sigurdardottir will direct the series.

The book was adapted for screen by Ruth Fowler and Amanda Duke. Ash Atalla, Alex Smith and Marianna Abbotts exec produce for Roughcut. Simon Judd executive produces for Fremantle. Sarah Vaughan is also an exec producer while Myf Hopkins produces. The show was commissioned for Paramount+ U.K. & Ireland by Sebastian Cardwell and Paul Testar.

The series will be available on Paramount+ in the U.K. & Ireland. Fremantle is handling international distribution.