Eddie McGuire played a pivotal role in launching Channel Nine’s controversial TV movie about the life of Shane Warne.
According to a report in Thursday’s Herald Sun, the former Collingwood president helped “facilitate” a meeting between the network and the late Spin King’s family and management, which allayed their fears that the biopic “wouldn’t do well. ” become after daughter Brooke called it “beyond disrespectful”.
Channel Nine has since confirmed in a statement that Warnie will instead celebrate the legendary athlete’s life in all its glory.
Eddie McGuire played a pivotal role in launching Channel Nine’s controversial TV movie about the life of Shane Warne. Pictured together in 2014
“Shane Warne was an Australian legend, cultural icon, cricket genius, charmer and lovable villain,” the network added.
Warnie is currently filming in Melbourne with Alex Williams.
The two-part special features a dramatized account of the Spin King’s remarkable sports career and fame, including his marriage to ex-wife Simone Callahan.
It comes less than two months after nine executives reportedly held “crisis talks” about the project after the cricket legend’s family slammed the project.
According to a report in Thursday’s Herald Sun, the former Collingwood president helped “facilitate” a meeting between the network and the late Spin King’s family and management, allaying their fears that the biopic “wouldn’t be liked .” become after daughter Brooke called it “beyond disrespectful”.
Channel Nine has since confirmed in a statement that Warnie will instead celebrate 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.
Warne’s former manager, James Erskine, met with the station’s television director Michael Healy and drama director Andy Ryan in September on behalf of the family.
“They both assured me it would be a celebration of Shane. I trust them,” Erskine told the Herald Sun.
Warne died of natural causes on March 4 at the age of 52 while on vacation with friends in Koh Samui, Thailand.
Warnie is currently filming in Melbourne with Alex Williams. The two-part special chronicles a dramatized account of the Spin King’s remarkable sporting career and fame, including his marriage to ex-wife Simone Callahan
After his death, Warne’s eldest child, Brooke (25), received word that a TV movie about her father’s life was in the works.
“He did so much for Channel Nine. Do you want to dramatize his life six months after his death? You are beyond disrespectful,” she wrote on Instagram.
Warnie will premiere on Channel Nine in 2023.
Warne died of natural causes on March 4 at the age of 52 while on vacation with friends in Koh Samui, Thailand. (Pictured: Warne in April 1999)
Source: Daily Mail
