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These are the first photos on the set of Nine’s upcoming miniseries about the life of Shane Warne, which is being filmed in the late cricketer’s home town, Melbourne.
Unapproved by Warne’s family, the two-part special chronicles the remarkable sports career and rise of the Spin King, including his marriage to ex-wife Simone Callahan.
Photos taken on Tuesday show the actor who plays Warne taking a walk next to the actress who plays Simone, who appeared to be wearing a prosthetic baby bump.
These are the first photos on the set of Nine’s upcoming limited series on the life of Shane Warne, which is being filmed in the late cricketer’s home city, Melbourne
It comes less than two months after nine executives were said to be in “crisis talks” about the project, which was labeled “disrespectful” by Warne’s family. (Pictured: Shane Warne on July 13, 2004)
Shane and Simone’s oldest child, daughter Brooke, was born in 1997, so it’s possible they were filming a scene depicting this chapter of their lives.
But they may also have shot a scene from when Simone was pregnant with son Jackson (born 1999) or younger daughter Summer (born 2001).
The actor who plays Shane, whose name has not been revealed, wore a blonde wig, white T-shirt, baggy jeans and brown sandals, and was wearing a gray sweater.
Production on the biopic reportedly began just three weeks after Warne died of natural causes in March at age 52. (Pictured: Warne in April 1999)
The two-part special, which has not been approved by Warne’s family, chronicles the rise of the Spin King, including his marriage to ex-wife Simone Callahan.
Photos taken on Tuesday show the actor who plays Warne taking a walk next to the actress portraying Simone, who appeared to be wearing a prosthetic baby bump (right)
The woman starring Simone wore khaki cargo pants, a white T-shirt and a blue short-sleeved work shirt.
She was seen scrolling through her modern phone, suggesting they were taking a break from filming and not actually being in front of the camera.
Later in the day, the male actor was seen in his trailer wearing a white shirt and blue shorts, complete with a gold earring.
The actor who played Shane, whose name has not been revealed, wore a blonde wig, white T-shirt, baggy jeans and brown sandals and wore a gray sweater
Shane and Simone’s oldest child, daughter Brooke, was born in 1997, so it’s possible they were filming a scene depicting this chapter of their lives.
They may also have shot a scene from when Simone was pregnant with son Jackson (born 1999) or younger daughter Summer (born 2001)
Several other cast members have been spotted on location, but it’s unclear what roles they play.
It comes less than two months after nine executives were said to be in ‘crisis talks’ over the project, which the cricket legend’s family had publicly labeled as ‘disrespectful’.
Warne’s former manager James Erskine met in September with the network’s television director, Michael Healy and head of drama Andy Ryan, on behalf of the family.
Later in the day, the male actor was seen in his trailer wearing a white shirt and blue shorts, complete with a gold earring.
Shane was known to wear gold earrings in the 90s
“They both assured me that this would be a celebration of Shane Warne. I trust them, I trust Healy,” Erskine said The Herald Sun.
“Now we know that Shane was a colorful character, there’s no getting around that. You can’t decontaminate it and suddenly say he’s a preacher.
“But they have assured me that it will be done the right way. When they eventually give up, the whole world will be watching.’
Several other cast members have been spotted on location, but it’s unclear what roles they play
Shane’s oldest daughter Brooke, 24, called Nine’s announcement of a telefilm based on her father “more than disrespectful.”
‘Do any of you have any respect for Daddy? Or his family?’ she wrote on Instagram.
“He did so much for Channel Nine and now you want to dramatize his life and that of our family six months after his death? You are more than disrespectful.’
The network has billed the production, titled Warnie, as a “must-see drama event” to be screened over two nights.
Shane’s oldest daughter Brooke, 24, called Nine’s announcement of a telefilm based on her father “more than disrespectful.” (Pictured: Warne in Sydney on January 2, 2007)
“This will be a fitting tribute to one of the greatest Australians of all time, the Aussie larrikin who lived and loved big,” a Nine spokesperson said.
Shane Warne was an Australian legend, a cultural icon, a cricket genius, a charmer and a villain. “Warnie” transcended cricket.
“Like all great characters, he inspired extreme reactions from people from all walks of life, in Australia and around the world.”
An unknown actor is said to have landed the lead role, while an actress who plays Warne’s ex-girlfriend Liz Hurley (pictured) will also appear in the telefilm
Production on the biopic reportedly began just three weeks after the Spin King died of natural causes in March at the age of 52.
An unknown actor is said to have landed the lead role, while an actress who plays Warne’s ex-girlfriend Liz Hurley will also appear in the telefilm.
Warne spent 23 years as a commentator for Nine’s cricket coverage and was closely associated with former owners Kerry and James Packer and ex-CEO David Gyngell.
Warne (pictured in 2005) spent 23 years as a commentator for Nine’s cricket coverage and was close to former owners Kerry and James Packer and ex-CEO David Gyngell