Production has commenced on the 9Network’s tribute to the life of cricketer Shane Warne in Warnie.
Over two nights, Warnie will be the fitting tribute to one of the greatest Australians of all time. Shane Warne was an Aussie legend, a cultural icon, a cricketing genius, a charmer and a rogue. Like all great characters, he inspired extreme reactions from people from all walks of life in Australia and around the world.
The biopic, which was announced at Nine’s Upfront earlier this year, will premiere on Channel Nine and 9Now in 2023.
See also: Nine Upfront 2023: Nine to pay tribute to Shane Warne’s life in Warnie
When the two-part series was announced, Shane Warne’s eldest daughter Brooke Warne took to social media to speak out against plans to dramatise her father’s life, calling Channel Nine “beyond disrespectful” in an Instagram story.
The 9Network said, “During pre-production, the 9Network and Screentime have met with the Warne family who have offered their support for the series. The 9Network looks forward to collaborating with the family as filming continues.”
Warnie stars Alex Williams (Underground: The Julian Assange Story, The Heights) as Shane Warne, Anthony Hayes (Gold, Light Between Oceans) and Marny Kennedy (Between Two Worlds, Janet King).
The series is supported by a stellar cast including Jacquie Brennan (Wentworth, Informer 3838), Jeremy Stanford (Winners & Losers, Wentworth), Ben Hall (Neighbours, Devil’s Playground), Tom Stokes (The Railway Man, Equals), Darcy Kent (New Gold Mountain, Spreadsheet), and newcomer Shanti Kali.
Earlier this year, Nine’s broadcast of Shane Warne’s memorial service reached 403,000 viewers. All three commercial networks broadcasted the event, as well as ABC News.
The memorial service saw more than 50,000 gathered at the MCG to farewell the Australian cricket legend as the night saw performances from Robbie Williams, Ed Sheeran and Elton John, as his former teammates and close friends recalled stories of the king of spin.
The Memorial Service also heard from Warne’s father Keith, brother, Jason, and his children Brooke, Jackson and Summer.
Warnie is produced for the 9Network by Screentime, a Banijay company.