Meghann Fahy to star in HBO’s 'The Trial of Louise Woodward' limited series

Meghann Fahy will star in HBO’s 'The Trial of Louise Woodward', a limited series based on the 1997 case

Meghann Fahy has been cast in HBO’s upcoming limited series The Trial of Louise Woodward, a new drama based on the high-profile 1997 court case that attracted international attention in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The series will chronicle the story of Louise Woodward, an 18-year-old British au pair who was accused of fatally shaking an infant left in her care by a host family in Massachusetts. The case sparked widespread debate over childcare, class, media influence and the justice system, making headlines around the world.

Matthew Barry, whose previous credits include Industry and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, has written the series and will serve as showrunner. Barry will executive produce alongside Emmy-winning director Susanne Bier, who is also attached to direct. Frank Spotnitz, Emily Feller, Tobi de Graaff and Antoine Douaihy are also executive producers.

Production on The Trial of Louise Woodward is scheduled to begin in August, with HBO targeting a 2027 premiere.

Barry described the case as one that continues to resonate decades later, noting that its themes surrounding childcare, working mothers, class and the rise of 24-hour media remain highly relevant today.

HBO executive Francesca Orsi praised the creative team behind the project, highlighting Barry’s approach to the story, Bier’s directing style and Fahy’s performance talent as key elements of the upcoming series.

The role marks Fahy’s return to HBO after earning critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for her performance in The White Lotus season 2. She recently appeared in Netflix’s The Perfect Couple and Sirens, while also starring in the feature film Drop. The new HBO drama adds another high-profile project to the actress’s growing television career.