John Cornell and Paul Hogan on The Paul Hogan Show.
Josh Lawson will play Paul Hogan in Hoges, Fremantle Media's mini for Channel Seven.
Joining Lawson are Justine Clarke as Hogan's partner Noelene and Ryan Corr as John Cornell, his best friend and manager.
Also starring are Laura Gordon (Ms Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) as Linda Kozlowski, Nikki Osborn (Granny Smith) as Delvene Delaney, Sean Keenan (Puberty Blues, Glitch) as Young Paul and Marny Kennedy (The Saddle Club) as Young Noelene.
“Paul Hogan has always been one of my heroes", Lawson said in a statement, "so this role is as exciting as it is challenging."
"He’s such an iconic figure. Everyone loves Hoges and one of his great gifts was making audiences feel like we really knew him. But there’s so much of his life that many people don’t know about and I’m thrilled that I get to be a part of telling his incredible story. And to be able to make this back in my hometown of Brisbane just makes it all the more special for me.”
Justine Clarke said: “We all know parts of the Paul Hogan story, but there are many parts that I think will be a revelation for our audience. I’m pleased we’ll get to see his family life and how important that was to him and how much love and support was surrounding him."
"Often when we think of successful people it’s as a lone person but there are so many people who help lift them; that’s the story that I’m interested in.”
Production is now underway in South East Queensland, with FMA’s Jo Porter and Seven’s Julie McGauran executive producing and Brett Popplewell producing.
Kevin Carlin (Molly, Wentworth) is directing from a script by Keith Thompson (The Sapphires) and Marieke Hardy (The Family Law).
Screen Australia and Screen Queensland are both backing the project.