George Mason, best known to Home and Away fans as the charming and rebellious Martin “Ash” Ashford, is set to make a striking return to Australian screens in a role that promises to be

far darker and more intense than anything he’s tackled before. The New Zealand-born actor will portray the notorious real-life bank robber and fugitive Brendan Abbott—

infamously nicknamed the “Postcard Bandit”—in the upcoming six-part drama series Run, set to premiere on Binge on January 1st, 2026.

The series, a gripping exploration of Abbott’s audacious crimes and extraordinary life on the run, transports viewers back to the 1980s and 1990s, chronicling one of Australia’s most infamous criminal escapades. Brendan Abbott earned his moniker after allegedly sending taunting postcards to police during his years evading capture following his daring escape from Fremantle Prison in 1989. His life on the lam became a national obsession until his eventual arrest on the Gold Coast in 1995, bringing an end to years of eluding authorities.

In the recently released trailer, Mason’s portrayal is nothing short of chilling. The actor, who first captured hearts as the hunky blonde rebel in Summer Bay, embodies Abbott’s audacity and cunning with a magnetic intensity. Scenes reveal Abbott calmly robbing a bank while casually telling onlookers, “It’s been a pleasure doing business with you all today,” before confidently asserting during his fugitive days, “Cops have got no idea where I am. You don’t act like a fugitive. You don’t look like one.” The glimpses promise a series that blends suspense, psychological drama, and the relentless tension of a man constantly on the edge.

For longtime Home and Away viewers, Mason’s return marks a compelling evolution in his career. From 2014 to 2018, George captivated audiences as Ash Ashford, a complex character whose charm, loyalty, and rebellious streak made him both a fan favorite and a pivotal presence in the Channel 7 drama. Ash’s storylines were iconic: from a passionate but turbulent relationship with Tori, to the devastating plot in which his partner Cat, pregnant with their child, was involved in a tragic car accident. These arcs showcased Mason’s ability to balance charisma with vulnerability—skills he now brings to the darkly magnetic role of Abbott.

Reflecting on his departure from Home and Away, Mason described leaving Summer Bay as a bittersweet turning point. “It was hard to leave, but I was ready to move on,” he told TV Week in 2018. “It was time to spread my wings and see what other opportunities are out there.” His post-Home and Away career certainly reflects that ambition, with standout appearances in Jane Campion’s 2021 film The Power of the Dog, and TV series including One Night (2023), Last Days of the Space Age (2024), Black Snow (2024), and The Survivors (2024).

Yet it is his role as Abbott in Run that signals the pinnacle of Mason’s career to date. Unlike his previous roles, this character demands a haunting blend of charm, menace, and psychological depth. It’s a story that examines not only the criminal exploits of Abbott but also the human cost and paranoia of life on the run—the endless fear, cunning survival tactics, and the constant threat of capture. Mason’s intense portrayal promises to bring audiences inside the mind of a man both brilliant and dangerous, highlighting the intricate layers of Abbott’s personality beyond the public legend.

Run is structured as a six-part binge series, making it a perfect combination of high-octane drama and immersive storytelling. With Mason at its center, the series is poised to be one of the most compelling Australian thrillers of the year. The show doesn’t just recount events; it examines the emotional and moral complexity of a fugitive’s life, offering audiences a suspenseful, edge-of-the-seat experience from start to finish.

As fans eagerly anticipate the January 1st launch, the excitement surrounding Mason’s return underscores his evolution from Summer Bay heartthrob to one of Australia’s most versatile and captivating actors. Run promises a career-defining performance, with George Mason delivering a haunting, unforgettable portrayal of Brendan Abbott that will leave audiences riveted, questioning the line between fascination and fear, law and rebellion, freedom and survival.

Mark your calendars: George Mason’s chilling transformation is coming to screens early next year, and Run is shaping up to be the must-watch thriller of 2026. From the sunny beaches of Summer Bay to the shadowy streets of a fugitive’s world, Mason proves once again that his talent knows no bounds.