Holden Sheppard’s latest book, Yeah the Boys, is set to be adapted for TV after being picked up by Deadset Pictures.
The book, which was released in April this year, is a follow-up to his earlier novel Invisible Boys and focuses on the next stage of life for Zeke, Charlie and Hammer.
In particular, the story follows AFL star Kade “Hammer” Hammersmith after he speaks out against Pride Round while privately concealing his sexuality.
The story follows Kade as he is pulled back into the orbit of Zeke and Charlie through escalating blackmail threats.
“So stoked to share today that YEAH THE BOYS – the INVISIBLE BOYS sequel – has been picked up for screen adaptation by Deadset Pictures & is now in development as a premium drama TV series filmed in Perth,” Sheppard announced on Instagram.
It’s not Sheppard’s first novel to receive the TV treatment, with Invisible Boys adapted into a Stan television series released last year.
However, while the book may be a sequel, Sheppard has previously expressed that any TV adaptation of Yeah the Boys would not simply be a Season Two of the critically acclaimed Invisible Boys series.
Instead, he wrote today that he was blown away by the vision for the series presented by Deadset founders Steve Pennells and Dan Bennett.
“I knew immediately this story was in the right hands to be adapted authentically and accurately in this cultural moment,” he wrote.
“I am also excited to see the urban, gay and gritty spaces of Perth showcased on screen in ways I don’t think we have seen before in WA.”
Pennells said the book demanded to be seen, adding that the success of Heated Rivalry showed there was an appetite for this type of story.
“Yeah the Boys can be Australia’s version of that, but rawer, dirtier, a bit bogan and much more local,” he said.
Pennells said the story explored how men survive, lie and hurt each other, all through an Australian lens.
“That’s what makes it exciting. It has the heat and romance audiences are responding to, but it comes out of our own sporting culture, our own cities and our own damage.”
His co-founder Bennett agreed, saying Deadset Pictures was deeply honoured to be involved.
“LGBTQIA+ relationships are having a moment in mainstream culture in a way they never have before,” he said.
“This story is not only timely but also desperately important.”
