Evonne Goolagong Miniseries for ABC

BBC Studios’ Werner Film Productions has begun filming a miniseries about the life of tennis player Evonne Goolagong for Australian pubcaster ABC.

The three-parter stars rising star Lila McGuire (The Twelve) alongside Marton Csokas, Felix Mallard and Luke Carroll and is directed by Wayne Blair from a script by Steven McGregor.

“We are thrilled to bring the inspiring story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley to ABC screens,” said Rachel Okine, ABC’s head of scripted. “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.”

Joanna Werner of Werner Films said, “It’s so incredibly rewarding to see Goolagong move into production after nearly nine years in development. 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. We’ve undertaken a nationwide casting process to assemble an exceptional ensemble, including exciting new talent and skilled tennis players. Lila McGuire brings something truly special to the role of Evonne—we’re excited for audiences to see her in this breakout role and to be moved by Evonne’s inspiring story. We’re deeply grateful to the ABC for championing this project and recognizing its significance from the outset. And we’re thrilled that BBC Studios will now take this uniquely Australian story to audiences around the world.”

“Working on the Goolagong series is one of the proudest moments of my career,” said Danielle MacLean, co-producer. “Evonne’s success in the world of tennis broke barriers for our people and inspired a generation. Her story is one of perseverance, talent and the inner strength that helped her succeed against the odds. As a First Nations filmmaker, I feel deeply honored to help bring it to life.”

Screen Australia’s director of narrative content, Louise Gough, and First Nations department development and investment manager, Jorjia Gillis, said, “Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, is one of Australia’s greatest sporting legends with a story destined for screen. This distinctive series from a powerhouse creative team cleverly balances a celebration of Goolagong’s sporting triumphs and a lifetime of adversity as a First Nations woman living, winning and loving in a patriarchal world. What shines through is a story of commitment, community and culture—a story that will resonate with audiences worldwide.”

VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher added, “We are honored to support some of Australia’s most exciting First Peoples talent both in front of and behind the camera, including writer Steven McGregor, producer Danielle MacLean and director Wayne Blair, who will bring Evonne Goolagong’s inspiring story to the screen. This is a story that will resonate with all Australians and will deepen our connection to Evonne as both First Peoples woman and athlete and her unique strength, resilience and vulnerability as she navigates her life’s journey.”

Goolagong will air on ABC TV and ABC iview in 2026.