The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are thrilled to announce that production has commenced on Goolagong, a three-part event mini-series based on the inspiring true-life story of world champion tennis player Evonne Goolagong.
In her breakthrough role portraying one of Australia’s most-loved female sporting heroes, is rising new star and proud Whadjuk and Ballardong Noongar woman Lila McGuire (The Twelve) alongside renowned fellow lead actors Marton Csokas (Asylum, Equalizer), Felix Mallard (Ginny and Georgia, Turtles All The Way Down) and Luke Carroll (Mystery Road: Origin and Scrublands season 2).
Currently filming on the lands of the Wurundjeri, Boonwurrung, Taungurung, and Dja Dja Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nations, Goolagong is made by Werner Film Productions, part of BBC Studios, directed by Wayne Blair (Mystery Road, Total Control) and written by Steven McGregor (Mystery Road Origin, Sweet Country) and Megan Simpson Huberman (Dating The Enemy, On The Job). Evonne Goolagong Cawley and Roger Cawley are Associate Producers.
The journey will take us from the tiny NSW regional town of Barellan, where an eager eight-year-old Aboriginal kid first peered through the cyclone wire fence of a tennis court to the centre courts of the world, where Evonne (McGuire) would reach the world number one ranking and endear herself to millions around the globe.
Along the way, the obstacles will be immense. At age 12, Evonne will leave behind her family to be coached by the imperious Vic Edwards (Csokas). While the on-court success that follows unites a nation, a deeply disturbing dynamic is playing out behind the scenes that will threaten to tear everything apart. And, when she falls deeply in love with Roger Cawley (Mallard), Evonne will have to decide whether to follow her heart or follow her career. Or, whether she can do both.
Screen Australia 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.”
ABC Head of Scripted, Rachel Okine said, “We are thrilled to bring the inspiring story of Evonne Goolagong Cawley to ABC screens. 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 Productions Producer, Joanna Werner 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 recognising 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 Goolagong’s Co-Producer, Danielle MacLean. “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 honoured to help bring it to life”.
VicScreen CEO Caroline Pitcher said, “We are honoured 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.
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