Holden Sheppard’s cherished Australian gay literature classic, Invisible Boys, has been reimagined as a highly anticipated 10-part series now streaming on STAN.
With its unapologetic, powerful storytelling, the series has already earned widespread praise. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Nicholas Verso, the show captures the novel’s gripping essence on screen. We spoke with Nicholas about the creative journey behind the adaptation.
Nicholas first came across Invisible Boys through word of mouth, discovering it on Twitter (now X) before reading a glowing review from his friend, arts journalist Richard Watts. Intrigued by the book, Verso was already seeking a new project to film in Western Australia, having had a fantastic experience shooting a previous series there. The novel seemed like the perfect fit. “When I read the book, the characters immediately resonated with me,” Nicholas explains.
“I started thinking about how it had been a while since Australia had produced a strong queer TV series. We have incredible films, like Head On, which is iconic, but I couldn’t think of a contemporary equivalent. So, I thought, why not make one?”
Set in 2017, Invisible Boys unfolds during the same-sex marriage plebiscite, a period when LGBTIQ+ lives were thrust into public debate, often facing discrimination under the guise of political discourse. Nicholas has vivid memories of that time
“Looking back, I felt so much anger about what we went through. Sure, we got the outcome we wanted, and everyone celebrated, but for so many young people, hearing how their neighbours talked about them was heartbreaking.”
“People with no real stake in it were so vocal, and that was deeply upsetting. We’ve seen how much damage plebiscites like this can do, fuelling division in ways that are entirely unnecessary and harmful.”
“That’s why I wanted to frame the show within that moment in Australian history, to make sure we don’t forget it ever happened.”
Nailing the casting was pivotal for bringing Invisible Boys to life and Nicholas had a clear vision of who could embody the series’ four lead characters best. “Matt was the easiest to cast because I’d always envisioned Joe Klocek for the role. I’d worked with him on Nowhere Boys when he was younger and saw his potential.”
“For Zeke, we cast Aydan Calafiore, who’s known as a singer on programs like Young Talent Time and The Voice, but he brought such bravery and vulnerability to the role.”
“Zach Blampied was recommended by Declan Greene, one of our writers. He has a theatre background and is also a great AFL player, which made Hammer feel incredibly real. Joseph Zada, who plays Charlie, had the toughest role. Charlie is volatile and angry, but Joseph found a way to make him empathetic. He’s just a star, and it’s no surprise he’s moving on to incredible things.”
The cast also features Australian entertainment icon Pia Miranda, best known for her unforgettable AFI Award winning portrayal of Josie in Looking for Alibrandi.
Nicholas lights up when discussing working with her. “Oh, I adore Pia! Fun fact — she was in one of my first short films as a teen. She’s part of Australia’s cultural DNA. In the show, she plays against type and watching her explore the darker side of her character was truly incredible from a director’s perspective.”
The show’s depiction of sexuality is unapologetically raw and realistic, something Nicholas felt strongly about portraying authentically. “We talked a lot in the writers’ room about where Hollywood has lied to us.”
“A famous example is Brokeback Mountain, where they made the sex between the two lead characters look so effortless, but realistically, those guys probably hadn’t washed for two months!”
“I wanted to show sex in a way that’s sex-positive and free of shame. I didn’t want anyone to feel embarrassed about the awkwardness, preparation, and aftermath that come with navigating intimacy. Hollywood scenes are choreographed to perfection, and sex is everywhere on our screens now. I feel they set unrealistic expectations.”
“The truth is, reality is sometimes messy.”
Bullying to gain peer acceptance is another theme explored in Invisible Boys. Nicholas believes that the solution lies in fostering inclusion rather than exclusion.
“We need to be willing to include everyone, even those we disagree with or find upsetting. It’s essential to ‘let the monster in,’ showing them compassion, teaching them empathy, and helping them integrate into a society we all want to live in. I truly believe that people can change and grow. In the show, Hammer’s character arc differs from the book, and without revealing too much, you’ll witness his journey of grappling with his identity That kind of nuance is very important.”
Now that Invisible Boys is available for streaming on STAN, Nicholas has clear hopes for the impact the series will have on a diverse audience.
“For queer teens, I hope it reassures them that they’re not alone. For older viewers, I hope it sparks recognition and insight into what today’s youth experience.”
“But most of all, I want straight men to watch it. The show moves beyond sexuality to explore the broader issue of masculinity in Australia. Even people who might identify as homophobic, I want them to watch too. If they connect with Pia Miranda’s character Anna as their way in, great. Maybe, by the end, their perspective will shift. That’s the true power of storytelling.”
