Alex Williams to star as Shane Warne in Nine drama

Actor Alex Williams (Underground: The Julian Assange Story, The Heights, Never Tear Us Apart: The INXS Story) has been cast in the title role of Warnie, Nine’s upcoming miniseries.

Production commenced this week in Melbourne on the two part drama.

The project has drawn some criticism from family, friends and Warne’s longtime agent, James Erskine.

According to a press release, the 9Network and Screentime have met with the Warne family who have since offered their support for the series.

“The 9Network looks forward to collaborating with the family as filming continues,” said Nine.

“Warnie will pay tribute to one of the greatest Australians of all time, the Aussie larrikin who lived life to the full. There has never been and never will be another like him. Shane Warne was an Aussie legend, a cultural icon, a cricketing genius, a charmer and a loveable rogue. Warnie, as he was affectionately known to all, transcended cricket. Like all great characters, he inspired extreme reactions from people from all walks of life, in Australia and around the world.”

The cast also features Anthony Hayes (Gold, Light Between Oceans) and Marny Kennedy (Between Two Worlds, Janet King), 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.

Warnie is produced for the 9Network by Screentime, a Banijay company and will screen in 2023.