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Watch the trailer for the groundbreaking new LGBTQIA+ Aussie drama Invisible Boys - and here's when you can stream it

Immy Abdullah
Immy Abdullah

EXCLUSIVE: Stan has unveil the highly anticipated trailer for Invisible Boys, an upcoming Australian drama series that promises to deliver a deeply emotional and authentic portrayal of growing up queer in a regional town.

Based on Holden Sheppard's award-winning novel of the same name, the Stan Original Series is set to premiere February 13, with audiences already abuzz following the trailer's release.

The Stan Original Series Invisible Boys premiered February 13, with all episodes at once and only on Stan.

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The series follows three teenage boys in the coastal town of Geraldton, Western Australia, as they navigate their identities, friendships, and complex family dynamics. At the heart of Invisible Boys are Zeke, Charlie, and Hammer who are each grappling with their own challenges while seeking acceptance and belonging.

Nicholas Verso, the series' creator and director, discovered the book in a serendipitous moment on Twitter.

Zach Blampied, Aydan Calafiore, Nicholas Verso, Joseph Zada, Joe Klocek, Invisible Boys, Stan

Zach Blampied as Hammer, Aydan Calafiore as Zeke, Director, Writer and Producer Nicholas Verso, Joseph Zada as Charlie & Joe Klocek as Matt on the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys.  Stan

"A friend of mine had posted about it, and it sounded really interesting," Verso said in an exclusive interview.

"I was actively looking for a TV show to shoot in Western Australia, weirdly, so the fact that it was set in Geraldton was really exciting. The characters spoke to me in a way I think they've spoken to everyone who's responded to the book."

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys

Filmed in Perth and Geraldton, Invisible Boys is an emotional tale of individuality and belonging. Written for screen by Verso and a team of queer writers, the series is raw and authentic, depicting facets of sexuality often overlooked.

Set against the backdrop of the 2017 same-sex marriage plebiscite, the series explores the challenges faced by a group of gay teens in the remote coastal town of Geraldton, WA, after one of them is outed on social media following an encounter with a married man.

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Joseph Zada stars as Charlie Roth on Invisible Boys. Stan

As the group form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another, exploring their desires and identities in a world that often renders them invisible.

READ MORE: Stan announce 25 new and returning Originals across TV, film and documentaries - including one fronted by a Hollywood star

Verso shared how deeply the story resonated with him personally. "I grew up in a small town, and a lot of the challenges these boys face felt like echoes of my own experience. That authenticity was crucial to bring out in the series."

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He also admitted that adapting such a beloved book came with its challenges. "The biggest hurdle was staying true to the novel's spirit while also shaping it into something cinematic. The book's introspective nature meant we had to find ways to externalise those emotions on screen."

Zach Blampied, Aydan Calafiore, Joseph Zada, Joe Klocek, Invisible Boys, Stan

As the group form a tight-knit friendship, the boys find solace and support in one another. Stan

Verso's adaptation process was both personal and collaborative.

"The book wasn't so plot-heavy that you were stuck to a rigid structure," he explained. "There was room to bring personal experience to it, which I certainly did, and I know all the writers did. In the writer's room, I encouraged everyone to bring their own truths about growing up queer in Australia."

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READ MORE: Michelle Visage announced as the new host of Drag Race Down Under: 'Thank you, RuPaul, for entrusting me'

The cast features a mix of emerging talent and seasoned performers. Joe Klocek stars as Matt, a character Verso had in mind for him from the start.

"Joe thought he was auditioning, but it was really just a screen test for Stan," Verso laughed.

Joe Klocek, Invisible Boys, Stan

Joe Klocek as Matt Jones on Invisible Boys. Stan

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Aydan Calafiore, best known for his musical talents on Young Talent Time and The Voice, takes on the challenging role of Zeke.

Joe Jonas and Aydan Calafiore on The Voice

Joe Jonas and Aydan Calafiore are pictured on The Voice. Nine

"Zeke's a romantic lead, but he's also dealing with body dysmorphia and cultural connections," Verso said.

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Zach Blampied, a theater actor and AFL player, brings authenticity to the role of Hammer, while Joseph Zada portrays Charlie with a balance of anger and vulnerability that Verso believes will captivate audiences.

Pia Miranda, Invisible Boys, Stan

Miranda plays Anna, Zeke's overbearing and religious mother. Stan

Secondary characters are brought to life by an impressive line-up, including David Lyons, Pia Miranda, Elaine Crombie, and Shareena Clanton.

Verso praised their contributions, particularly Miranda's transformation into a "toxic" character, subverting her usual "sweetheart" roles.

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Miranda plays Anna, Zeke's overbearing and religious mother. The series explores her character's inability to accept her child. She is best known and loved for her role 2000 feature film Looking for Alibrandi.

"You could feel the crew shuddering during certain takes," Verso said.

Pia Miranda, Kick Gurry, Looking For Alibrandi

Pia Miranda in Looking for Alibrandi, based on Melinda Marchetta's hit YA novel. Columbia Pictures

Verso acknowledged the influence of the hit Netflix series Heartstopper on his approach to Invisible Boys.

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"That show's success reminded me not to skimp on the love story," he said. "It led me to lean into the relationships, especially in key episodes."

For Verso, the hope is that Invisible Boys resonates with viewers of all ages. "I hope it speaks to young people, especially those in regional towns," he said.

Heartstopper season two Netflix

Nicholas Verso cites Heartstopper as one of the influences of Invisible Boys.  Netflix

"I hope it brings them solace and reassurance that they're not alone. And for older viewers, I hope it brings back memories and maybe even changes some perspectives."

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Stream every episode of the Stan Original Series Invisible Boys only on Stan.

Nine Entertainment Co (the publisher of this website) owns and operates the streaming service Stan.

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