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Isla Fisher addresses Erin Patterson movie rumours after mum convicted of murdering three with death cap mushrooms

The ex-Home and Away star has spoken out after the mum-of-two was convicted of killing her three relatives with a toxic beef wellington.
Smita KunvarjiBy Smita Kunvarji

Convicted killer's home frozen for compensation claims

Isla Fisher addresses Erin Patterson movie rumours after mum convicted of murdering three with death cap mushrooms

The ex-Home and Away star has spoken out after the mum-of-two was convicted of killing her three relatives with a toxic beef wellington.
Smita KunvarjiBy Smita Kunvarji

Australian actress Isla Fisher has spoken out about portraying mass murderer Erin Patterson amid rumours the now notorious case will soon be turned into a movie or TV show.

In a new interview, the ex-Home and Away star discussed the possibility of playing the convicted killer.

On July 7, a jury found 50-year-old Patterson guilty of murdering three people by lacing a beef wellington with death cap mushrooms.

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Patterson served her guests the deadly meal during a visit to her home in Leongatha, in regional Victoria, in July 2023.

The mother-of-two was convicted of killing her estranged husband Simon’s parents Don and Gail Patterson, 70, and his aunt Heather Wilkinson, 66. She was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Wilkinson’s husband, Ian, 68.

The infamous case is expected to be dramatised for TV and film with a Netflix crew spotted outside the Morwell courtroom during the week the jury deliberated and the ABC greenlighting a drama series to be based on Patterson’s trial.

And in a new interview with Harper’s BAZAAR this week — Fisher hinted she’d love to be involved.

“’Do you think I could play her?’”, Fisher asked the interviewer.

Isla Fisher questioned if she’d be right for the role of Erin Patterson.
Isla Fisher questioned if she’d be right for the role of Erin Patterson. Credit: Supplied
Isla Fisher in Wolf Like Me.
Isla Fisher in Wolf Like Me. Credit: Stan

The journalist swiftly replied “No”, explaining that Fisher bore little resemblance to Patterson.

Despite the differences in looks, Fisher has played difficult and dark characters before.

One of her first acting roles was playing Shannon Reed, a teenager living with an eating disorder, on Australia’s favourite TV drama, Home and Away.

Since then, her impressive 30-year career has included a range of roles.

Fisher has starred in a number of blockbuster Hollywood rom-coms, including Wedding Crashers and Confessions of a Shopaholic.

She’s also played a magician in Now You See Me and portrayed a reclusive columnist hiding her true identity as a werewolf in the TV series, Wolf Life Me.

The Hollywood actress, who shares three children with ex-husband comedian Sacha Baron Cohen, currently lives in London, UK, but grew up in Perth, Western Australia.

Isla Fisher grew up in Perth, Western Australia.
Isla Fisher grew up in Perth, Western Australia. Credit: Isla Fisher/Instagram
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen announced their divorce in April 2024.
Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen announced their divorce in April 2024. Credit: Instagram

Patterson is awaiting sentencing after the jury found her guilty on all counts of murder and attempted murder last month.

The first dramatisation of her trial and case is expected to come from the ABC.

The national broadcaster’s show — called Toxic — hails from renowned Australian filmmakers Tony Ayres and Elise McCredie, who are working with journalist Rachael Brown.

Toxic will be told from multiple perspectives, and according to the filmmakers will be presented “without judgment”.

It’s been billed as a thriller that will delve into her motherhood, faith and marriage.

“True stories ask storytellers to probe the complexities of human behaviour. What really lies beneath the headlines? It’s both a challenge and a responsibility to go beyond the surface — to reveal, not just sensationalise,” Ayres said in a statement.

Allen & Unwin also announced the release of The Mushroom Murders, by true-crime author Greg Haddrick, on sale in November.

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