BBC Studios-backed Werner Films to explore life of tennis star Evonne Goolagong
The ABC in Australia is working with BBC Studios-owned Werner Film Productions on a true-life drama about world champion tennis player Evonne Goolagong.
The three-part miniseries, titled Goolagong, stars Lila McGuire (The Twelve) in the lead and tracks the tennis star’s life as an eight-year-old Indigenous Australian child through to her becoming world number one.
The show has started production in Australia and explores Goolagong’s early life growing up in the tiny New South Wales town of Barellan, to finding a renowned coach and then meeting her future husband Roger Cawley.
The drama marks the first series from Werner Film that BBCS will be selling globally since the Australia-based prodco became part of the UK-based production-distribution giant last year.
Wayne Blair (Mystery Road) is attached to direct, with Steven McGregor (Sweet Country) and Megan Simpson Huberman (Dating The Enemy) writing. Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Roger Cawley are associate producers.
ABC head of scripted, Rachel Okine, said: “This is the story of a true sporting trailblazer whose resilience, humility and grace created a legacy that continues to reverberate around the globe. With an exceptional creative team bringing this remarkable life to screen, Goolagong promises to be a landmark television event.”
Werner Films producer, Joanna Werner, said the show had been in development for nearly nine years and said a nationwide search had begun to find new talent and skilled tennis players to feature.
“Having Evonne and Roger involved as associate producers has been invaluable, and we’re so proud to be telling such an important Australian story with their guidance.”
Goolagong will air on the ABC and streamer ABC iview in 2026. Production investment came from Screen Australia and the ABC in association with funding body VicScreen.
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