Toni Collette to star in new Apple TV series Lenni

Toni Collette, the versatile and acclaimed actress known for her ability to portray a wide range of characters, has joined the cast of the new Apple TV series, Lenni. This English-language remake of the Norwegian comedy-drama series Pernille will see Collette take on the role of Lenni, a divorced single mother and social worker who finds herself battling to protect her family from life's challenges after a devastating tragedy.

The series, which is currently being shot in Sydney, is a darkly comedic mystery that explores the complexities of family dynamics. Collette's character, Lenni, finds herself juggling her demanding job as a child welfare worker while dealing with the chaos of her own family life, which is anything but ordinary. Despite the series' seemingly serious premise, the announcement assures that Lenni is "a darkly comedic mystery about family—what it means to have one, to lose one, to pull one apart."

Collette, who has previously demonstrated her prowess in various acclaimed series, will bring her signature depth and humor to the role of Lenni. Her previous work includes playing a woman with multiple personalities in The United States of Tara and a terrifyingly sinister teacher in the hit show Wayward. The show, backed by the New South Wales Government through Screen NSW's Made in NSW Fund, is set to showcase Collette's talent in a role that allows her to use her natural Australian accent.

Joining Collette in the cast are Ciarán Hinds, Dan Wyllie, Josh McKenzie, Celeste Barber, Genevieve Hegney, Arka Das, and Wayne Blair. With such a talented ensemble, Lenni promises to be a compelling addition to the Apple TV lineup. The show's description, while not explicitly comedic, hints at the darkly comedic elements that will undoubtedly keep viewers engaged.