Filming on the controversial Shane Warne biopic begins at the MCG under the late cricketer’s memorial stand – following “crisis talks” over the project
Channel Nine’s controversial biography of Shane Warne’s illustrious career began filming on Saturday.
Alex Williams, who will play the late Spin King, was spotted in the shadow of the Shane Warne booth during MCG filming, the Herald Sun reported.
Stills were also captured off the pitch for a promotional shoot featuring actresses Marny Kennedy and Shanti Kali, who played Simone Warne and Elizabeth Hurley respectively.
Channel Nine’s controversial biography about Shane Warne’s (pictured) illustrious career began filming on Saturday
The series, set to air next year, was the target of controversy when it was branded “beyond disrespectful” by Brooke Warne, who said Nine Network did not consult with her or the rest of Shane’s family about the show .
However, Eddie McGuire has played a crucial role in getting Channel Nine’s controversial TV movie about the cricketer’s life to work.
According to a report in last Thursday’s Herald Sun, the ex-Collingwood president helped “facilitate” a meeting between the network and the late athlete’s family and management to allay their fears that the biopic was “not salacious.” will be”.
Alex Williams (pictured), who will play the late Spin King, was spotted in the shadow of the Shane Warne booth during MCG filming, the Herald Sun reported
Channel Nine has since confirmed in a statement that Warnie will instead be celebrating the legendary athlete’s life in all its glory.
“Shane Warne was an Australian legend, cultural icon, cricket genius, charmer and lovable villain,” the network added.
Warnie is currently being filmed in Melbourne, with Home and Away actor Alex taking the lead.
Still images were also captured off the field for a promotional shoot featuring actresses Marny Kennedy (left) and Shanti Kali (right), who played Simone Warne and Elizabeth Hurley respectively
The two-part special chronicles a dramatized version of the Spin King’s remarkable sports career and rise to fame, including his marriage to ex-wife Simone Callahan.
It comes less than two months after Nine executives were said to be in “crisis talks” over the project after the cricket legend’s family cracked down on the project.
Shane’s former manager James Erskine met with the network’s television executive Michael Healy and head of drama Andy Ryan on behalf of the family in September.
The series, set to air next year, was the target of controversy when it was branded as “beyond disrespectful” by Brooke Warne (pictured), who said Nine Network hasn’t hooked up with her or the rest of Shane’s family advise about the show
“They both guaranteed me that this would be a celebration of Shane. I trust them,” Erskine told the Herald Sun.
Shane died of natural causes on March 4 at the age of 52 while vacationing with friends in Koh Samui, Thailand.
After his death, Shane’s eldest child Brooke, 25, shared that a telemovie about her father’s life was in the works, saying: “He’s done so much for Channel Nine. You want to dramatize his life six months after his death? You are beyond disrespectful.”
However, Eddie McGuire (right) has played a crucial role in getting Channel Nine’s controversial TV movie about the cricketer’s life to work