Exclusive: Richard Flood (Grey’s Anatomy) and Acushla-Tara Kupe (Mr Corman) have been cast as leads in The Gone, a mystery drama series for RTÉ and New Zealand’s Tvnz that brings together Irish and Māori culture. The pair will front the series, which goes into principal photography on location in Auckland and Te Aroha, New Zealand this week, with further shooting taking place in Ireland’s capital Dublin late this year.

New Zealand’s Kingfisher Films and About Joan co-producer Blinder Films are co-producing, in association with another Kiwi firm, Southern Light Films. Te Puna Kairangi, the New Zealand Government’s Premium Productions for International Audiences Fund and New Zealand’s Screen Production Grant; Screen Ireland/Fís Éireann; Nz On Air; and the Bai Sound & Vision Fund have all supported the production. Red Arrow International Studios has the distribution rights.

The Gone stars Flood as Theo Richter, an Irish detective...