Warnie (miniseries)
| Company type | Television miniseries |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production |
| Founded | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Biographical television series |
Warnie is an Australian television miniseries that portrays the life of renowned cricket player Shane Warne, broadcast on 25 and 26 June 2023. The series details the highs and lows of the late cricketer’s professional journey and personal struggles.
Part 1
The narrative opens with Shane’s voice reflecting on his rise in cricket, controversies, achievements, and ultimately, his State Funeral.
Shane (portrayed by Alex Williams) is seen recuperating from shoulder surgery in a hotel room, confronting the possibility of being sidelined due to fitness concerns. He persuades captain Steve Waugh (Tom Stokes) to allow him to participate, admitting he had played while injured.
Flashbacks reveal Shane’s early involvement in AFL with St Kilda Football Club, his release from the team, and a series of odd jobs thereafter. He then transitions to local cricket and briefly attends the State Academy, where he meets mentor Terry 'TJ' Jenner (Anthony Hayes), who coaches him in spin bowling techniques.
After being selected to represent Australia, Shane celebrates with family but is dropped following his debut match. TJ motivates him to intensify his training for another opportunity.
At a cricket event, Shane encounters Simone Callahan (Marny Kennedy), and their relationship develops despite team-imposed restrictions. Simone expresses confidence in Shane’s fidelity amid concerns regarding groupies.
In a nightclub scene, Shane gambles with a bookmaker named 'John,' despite facing media criticism for smoking after promising to quit.
When allegations of bribery arise involving Mark Waugh (Ben Hall), Shane and Mark meet with Cricket Australia CEO Malcolm Speed (Andrew Blackman), who insists they publicly acknowledge the scandal to safeguard cricket’s integrity. They comply but are instructed to remain part of the sport.
Shane’s legacy is solidified by his famous 'ball of the century,' which dismisses Mike Gatting during The Ashes series.
Subsequently, Shane and Mark publicly admit to accepting payments for sharing pitch and weather information but deny any match-fixing. Shane receives an $8,000 fine; Mark is fined $10,000.
While preparing for parenthood, Shane reacts with disdain upon hearing of Saleem Malik’s ban for match-fixing.
During a tour coinciding with Simone’s childbirth, Shane continues training but faces worsening injuries—his finger swells and shoulder pain intensifies. Despite reluctance, he undergoes surgeries on both injuries.
Following a poor performance and intense media scrutiny, Steve Waugh encourages Shane to persevere for the benefit of the team.
After another shoulder injury requiring surgery, Shane begins rehabilitation with physiotherapist Errol. His mother (Jacquie Brennan) criticizes his weight gain post-surgery and suggests medication as a remedy.
Shane later confesses to Simone that he took a banned substance pill, failed a drug test, and now risks his career prospects.
Part 2
Shane discovers from his brother Jason that the weight-loss drug remained detectable in his system. When Simone comments on his rapid recovery, Shane credits expert rehabilitation staff and resists blaming their mother; Jason reassures that no blame is placed on Brigitte.
Shane endures public backlash over the doping scandal, including a confidential disciplinary hearing where his mother admits advising him to take the pill to reduce his “double chin.” She denies knowledge that the pills violated Cricket Australia’s Drug Policy, asserting they were not prohibited in her home. Subsequently, Shane receives a 12-month cricket ban.
During suspension, family visits occur but Shane grows frustrated at being unable to bowl to his son or participate in local games. Brigitte apologizes; Shane reassures her that she is not at fault. Keith labels the situation a “witch hunt.” Simone advises Shane on appealing or accepting fines but warns consequences will persist.
Media attention escalates when a texting scandal involving a UK nurse emerges. Simone informs Shane that reporters are camped outside their home, disturbing their children. Confronted by the press, Shane expresses remorse for disappointing his family. Afterwards, TJ confronts him about ceasing further controversies.
In a meeting with CEO Speed, who reviews international media coverage on him, Shane is stripped of his vice-captaincy. When Shane questions if the suspension might be lifted if scandals stop, Speed doubts such an outcome.
In 2005, another controversy arises involving British student Laura Sayers selling her story for £10,000 plus a holiday. Unable to suppress the news, Shane admits the affair to Simone, triggering an argument and Simone’s departure amid media frenzy. The incident contributes significantly to their marital breakdown; Simone returns to Australia with their children.
Shane announces retirement from cricket amidst marital difficulties, declaring his final two Test matches will conclude his career. He aims to become the leading wicket-taker globally and achieves his 700th wicket during these matches. Post-retirement, he becomes a cricket ambassador and begins dating Elizabeth Hurley.
Following retirement, Shane visits TJ recovering from a major heart attack. TJ advises him to observe closely during his last match and dismisses talk about successors.
Shane ends his relationship with Liz Hurley due to conflicting schedules and returns to Melbourne for family time. The credits roll over a montage highlighting key moments from Shane’s career.
Cast
The ensemble for this two-part drama was revealed on November 9, 2022.
- Alex Williams portraying Shane Warne
- Marny Kennedy in the role of Simone Callahan
- Anthony Hayes as Terry 'TJ' Jenner
- Jacquie Brennan playing Brigitte Warne
- Jeremy Stanford cast as Keith Warne
- Shanti Kali as Elizabeth Hurley
- Andrew Blackman taking on the role of Malcolm Speed
- Daniel Cosgrove portraying Michael Clarke
- Tom Stokes as Steve Waugh
- Ben Hall as Mark Waugh
- Darcy Kent in the role of Jason Warne
- Dannielle Woodward playing Laura Sayers
- Georgina Naidu cast as Tribunal Lawyer
Production
Originally announced by the Seven Network in 2017 under the title Warnie, this Shane Warne biopic was developed by Screentime with a script by Matt Ford. Though the project stalled at Seven, Screentime and Ford revived it once the series transitioned to Nine.
In September 2022, Nine officially confirmed the production of the two-part biopic during its 2023 upfront presentation. Shortly thereafter, Shane Warne’s eldest daughter publicly criticized the timing, describing it as "beyond disrespectful" and accusing it of being a "ratings ploy" given its closeness to her father’s death.
Despite initial concerns, Channel 9 and ScreenTime continued with production after consultations with the Warne family, working in close cooperation with relatives who later voiced their support. Nevertheless, some family members chose not to attend a private screening, and Keith Warne, Shane’s father, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with how he was depicted.
Reception
The trailer for the miniseries premiered during the first game of the NRL State of Origin in June and encountered strong negative feedback, with commentators condemning it as disgraceful. The official social media launch followed on June 6.
Upon its debut on June 25, the series was met with largely unfavorable critiques from both reviewers and viewers. A common complaint was that the show placed too much emphasis on sensational elements of Shane Warne’s life. Additionally, Warne’s former wife, Simone Callahan, denounced the portrayal as "unkind" and "mean spirited."