Yes. PerthNow reported on 27 April 2013 that Kate Atkinson had been cast as Vera Bennett in Wentworth, which the article described as a remake of the 1980s series Prisoner. That headline refers to a 2013 casting announcement, not to the separate 2026 continuation, Wentworth: Halfway Home.
What the 2013 headline meant
The headline “Perth actress Kate Atkinson to star in Prisoner remake” was published by PerthNow on 27 April 2013. It reported that Atkinson, born in Kalgoorlie and living in Melbourne at the time, had been cast as Vera Bennett in Wentworth. The original report called Wentworth a remake of the 1980s television series Prisoner. Read the PerthNow casting report.
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Who was Vera Bennett?
Vera Bennett was a senior prison officer in Prisoner. PerthNow noted the original character’s nickname, “Vinegar Tits,” and quoted Atkinson describing the Wentworth version as someone who had once been kind: “She evolves.” The report also said Atkinson met correctional staff while researching the part.
How the 2026 series fits the franchise
Wentworth: Halfway Home is a distinct continuation announced by Foxtel Group in 2026, not the show covered by the 2013 headline and not a new Atkinson casting announcement. In February 2026, Foxtel Group said BINGE had commissioned a new Wentworth series as a next chapter. Its July production announcement described former inmates rebuilding their lives beyond prison walls, named Katrina Milosevic, Nicole da Silva and Kate Box among the returning cast, and identified Fremantle Australia as producer for BINGE. See Foxtel Group’s commission announcement and its production announcement.
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| Franchise stage | Date and relationship | Premise or role | Platform information |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 headline event: Wentworth | PerthNow reported the casting on 27 April 2013 and described the series as a remake of Prisoner. | Kate Atkinson was cast as Vera Bennett. | The cited PerthNow report identifies it as a Foxtel series. |
| 2026 continuation: Wentworth: Halfway Home | Foxtel Group announced it as a new next chapter in February 2026; its July announcement covered production. | Former inmates attempt to rebuild their lives outside prison; Kate Box is among the announced returning cast. | Announced for BINGE and FOXTEL, with a late-2026 premiere window stated in July 2026. |
Foxtel Group’s July 2026 announcement said Wentworth had been screened in “over 170 territories worldwide.” That is the company’s published reach statement, not an independently audited viewing or audience figure. The same release said production was scheduled to begin in Melbourne on 27 July 2026 and described the late-2026 premiere window as forthcoming; that schedule is an announcement, not confirmation of present availability.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why descriptions of the adaptation differ
“Remake” is how PerthNow framed Wentworth in its 2013 headline and report. Foxtel Group later described Wentworth as a reimagining of the landmark series. Those terms refer to the relationship between Wentworth and Prisoner; Wentworth: Halfway Home is presented separately as a continuation of Wentworth.
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