Underbelly Files: Chopper
| Company type | Mini-series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | February 11, 2018 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Television drama series |
Underbelly Files: Chopper is a two-part Australian mini-series broadcast on the Nine Network from 11 to 12 February 2018. As an extension of the Underbelly franchise, it follows the Underbelly Files telemovie spin-offs, which include titles like Tell Them Lucifer was Here, Infiltration, and The Man Who Got Away.
This series dramatizes the real-life experiences of Mark "Chopper" Read, a well-known Melbourne standover man and author.
Production
Initially announced in November 2016 as part of Nine's 2017 programming slate, the Underbelly franchise returned with a season focused on Chopper Read. In May 2017, Aaron Jeffery was cast in the lead role, with Michael Caton playing Keith, Chopper’s father. Filming began in Melbourne in July 2017.
By August 2017, the cast expanded to include Todd Lasance portraying Syd Collins, Ella Scott Lynch as Margaret, Chopper’s second wife, and Zoe Ventoura as his first wife Mary Ann. Several actors reprised roles from earlier Underbelly installments, including Vince Colosimo as Alphonse Gangitano, Kevin Harrington as Lewis Moran, and Debra Byrne as Judy Moran.
Although originally intended for a 2017 release, production setbacks delayed the airing until early 2018.
Part One
Chopper narrates his tale during a 2002 performance.
While returning home one night, he is kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to dig his own grave. Displaying his cunning, Chopper persuades his captor to remove his handcuffs before killing him with a shovel.
Using dynamite to disrupt a card game hosted by Alphonse Gangitano and Lewis Moran, Chopper seeks to identify who ordered the attempt on his life. Under pressure, Alphonse divulges the identity of the hitman’s employer. After capturing and torturing the assassin for details, Chopper learns that Syd Collins arranged the hit. A confrontation with Syd escalates into a fight resulting in Chopper’s arrest.
Upon release, he reconnects with Margaret, who encourages him to leave his criminal lifestyle behind. When Alphonse Gangitano fires shots at him, Chopper and Margaret plan to relocate to Tasmania with his father Keith. Despite Keith urging him back into crime, Chopper declines, insisting he is too old for that world.
Chopper reveals he authored Chopper: From The Inside. Though initially doubtful, his father acknowledges its success. The book elevates Chopper’s public profile but provokes anger from Gangitano—derisively called a "fairy godfather"—and Lewis Moran, who is notably omitted from its pages.
The book’s popularity turns Chopper into a minor celebrity figure, leading others to involve him in trivial crimes for amusement. At a strip club with friend Trent Anthony, Syd Collins threatens Chopper. Syd demands $8,000 to cover wedding costs; Chopper refuses and mockingly sends a walking stick instead.
Subsequently, Syd is shot and accuses Chopper of being responsible. Chopper denies involvement and provides Trent as an alibi.
Part Two
In an effort to demonstrate reform and gain freedom, Chopper marries Mary Ann and starts a family—though only Margaret truly understands the man behind the persona.
The narrative alternates between Chopper's 2002 comedy act and his earlier life in Tasmania as his fixation on Syd deepens. Since the shooting incident, Syd haunts Chopper’s thoughts, blurring timelines and casting doubt: Is this lingering resentment or guilt? Did Chopper actually shoot Sydney Collins or was he set up? As we delve further into the exaggerated legend of one of Australia’s most infamous standover men, the reality becomes increasingly ambiguous.
Cast
- Aaron Jeffery portrays Mark "Chopper" Read (Notorious standover man and author)
- Michael Caton appears as Keith Read (Father of Chopper)
- Todd Lasance plays Syd Collins (Leader of a biker gang and Chopper's adversary)
- Ella Scott Lynch acts as Margaret (Chopper's second spouse)
- Zoe Ventoura takes on the role of Mary Ann Hodge (Chopper's first wife)
- Vince Colosimo features as Alphonse Gangitano (Member of the Carlton Crew)
- Kevin Harrington embodies Lewis Moran (Carlton Crew affiliate)
- Debra Byrne enacts Judy Moran (Spouse of Lewis Moran)
- Jane Allsop as Detective Martin
- Reef Ireland as Trent Anthony
- Alex Tsitsopoulos in the role of Detective Hendry
- Marny Kennedy as Senior Constable Jassic
- Rhys Mitchell portrays Senior Constable Smiley
- Nicholas Bell as Detective Damian Bugg
- Krista Vendy plays Fanny
Viewership
The initial installment of the mini-series secured a metropolitan audience totaling 903,000 viewers, topping its timeslot against the Seven Network's broadcast of the 2018 Winter Olympics and achieving the sixth position in nightly ratings.
However, the second installment experienced a drop exceeding 200,000 viewers, attracting 696,000 metropolitan viewers. This placed it second in its timeslot, trailing behind Seven's Olympic coverage, and ranked it 11th overall for the evening.