Exclusive: Michala Banas reveals mischief her and Rebecca Gibney got up to on the set of A Remarkable Place To Die

EXCLUSIVE: Australian actress Michala Banas is set to dazzle audiences once again in the gripping new crime drama A Remarkable Place To Die.

Stream the latest episodes of A Remarkable Place To Die on 9Now.

Starring as Kylie Shorrock, an enigmatic pyrotechnician with a fiery streak, Michala joins an impressive ensemble cast in this atmospheric series filmed in the breathtaking landscapes of Queenstown, New Zealand.

A Remarkable Place To Die follows Detective Anais Mallory (Chelsie Preston Crayford), who returns to her hometown to confront unsolved homicides—and her own past. Kylie Shorrock doesn't make her entrance until later in the series, but as Michala hints, her arrival is nothing short of explosive.

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"Kylie doesn't come into town until towards the end of the series, but let's just say there are fireworks that leave some serious destruction in their wake," Banas shared during an interview. "And it won't be the last we see of Kylie."

For Banas, this role was particularly special, as the series was penned by her father, celebrated writer John Banas.

Banas auditioned for the role like any other, speaking her father's words brought a unique resonance to the project.

"It's funny, we've had such wonderful careers co-existing side by side over decades, but I've only ever worked on one other project where he has written the script," she explained.

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"It was so lovely to speak words that had come out of his brain and onto the page."

Another highlight for Banas was reuniting with longtime friend and fellow Aussie screen legend Rebecca Gibney, who also stars in the series.

"Rebecca is the absolute best! We are great friends, and I can't tell you how much fun and mischief we got up to together over there. It was an absolute blast to spend time (and work) with her," Michala said.

The camaraderie extended to the rest of the cast, which includes New Zealand talents Matt Whelan, Roimata Fox, and Dahnu Graham.

"Initially, I was a little nervous because it had been a long time since I'd worked in NZ, and I didn't know anyone but Bec really. But the second I stepped onto set, I felt completely at home and so welcomed," she added. "Chelsie is incredible, and so kind and fun—we just clicked immediately."

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about A Remarkable Place To Die, the gripping new crime drama

Filmed entirely in Queenstown, the show's setting is as much a character as its human cast.

"As a Kiwi, I am embarrassed to say it was my first time going to Queenstown, but oh my stars! I just fell so in love with the place immediately. It's so incredibly beautiful," Michala said.

The show captures the region's stunning vistas, showcasing a side of New Zealand that Banas believes many Australians—and international viewers—may not have seen before.

"The vistas! Visually, the show is truly a feast for the eyes. Honestly, our cinematographers have captured the incredible beauty of the place to perfection," she said.

Fans of Banas will remember her as the beloved Kate Manfredi on McLeod's Daughters, a show that continues to captivate audiences on 9Now and Stan. Reflecting on the legacy of the series, Banas said:

"McLeod's Daughters is such a special show. I still feel so lucky to have had the privilege of being part of something so iconic. I forged wonderful friendships working on McLeod's and am still in touch with several of the cast and crew."

When asked where her character Kate might be in 2024, Banas mused, "In my mind, she's still a woman of the land. She's still overachieving, but has the wisdom that comes with age to go a bit more gently and not be so hard on herself."

"Maybe she found love, but maybe she's happy on her own. But I do think she's living a great life running a big property somewhere for sure."

A Remarkable Place to Die airs Sundays 8.00pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.

Stream the latest episodes of A Remarkable Place To Die on 9Now.