Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Rachel House, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Rhys Darby | Written by Taika Waititi, Iain Morris | Directed by Taika Waititi
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
- 4/10/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
At the 2022 Oscars, Sian Heder won Best Adapted Screenplay for “Coda,” her adaptation of the French film “La Famille Bélier.” “Coda” also claimed Best Picture, thereby becoming the fifth remake to win the top Oscar. In 2021 playwright Florian Zeller shared in the Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay with Christopher Hampton for bring his stage hit “The Father” to the screen. In his directorial debut Zeller bagged Anthony Hopkins his second Best Actor Oscar. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay.)
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics) in Entertainment released the fourth annual Gold List, which spotlights outstanding work and talent within the Aapi community over the past 12 months.
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
After last awards season’s banner haul for artists of Asian descent, Gold House and Cape are hoping the community will strike gold again.
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
- 1/10/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Based on the documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins starts with a notice that it's "inspired by true events." Director (and co-writer) Taika Waititi appears on screen to tell us that we're going to get "a tale of whoa," though that homonym works rather differently when delivered from behind a handlebar moustache above a t-shirt bearing a Christian painting that's only an airbrush and some prog rock away from belonging on the side of a van. Taika's sensibilities are all over this, written with Inbetweeners scribe Iain Morris, and while there's some inaccuracies that are forgiveable for reasons of story, I did find myself tracking down a copy of The Laws Of The Game because there have been changes to penalties in the intervening years. I personally think there was also an offside, but we are denied anyone sitting down with a cruet set or American...
- 12/21/2023
- by Andrew Robertson
- eyeforfilm.co.uk
Waititi has made some strange casting decisions in his amiable comedy about the real-life travails of the American Samoa team and hothead coach Thomas Rongen
In 2001, the American Samoa football team achieved hideous immortality by sustaining a world-historically awful defeat, going down 31-0 to Australia. Ten years of hurt followed with no appreciable improvement, and then the team hired a foreign coach with his own issues: the troubled and hot-tempered Dutch-American Thomas Rongen whose unofficial brief was to salvage American Samoan honour with a single goal.
Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary about all this, Next Goal Wins, is a much-loved heartwarmer. Maybe it needed a fiction-feature comedy remake and maybe it didn’t. But director Taika Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris have done one anyway, and the result, though necessarily sacrificing the stranger-than-fiction value of the documentary, is broad, affectionate and often funny in a goofy way. But...
In 2001, the American Samoa football team achieved hideous immortality by sustaining a world-historically awful defeat, going down 31-0 to Australia. Ten years of hurt followed with no appreciable improvement, and then the team hired a foreign coach with his own issues: the troubled and hot-tempered Dutch-American Thomas Rongen whose unofficial brief was to salvage American Samoan honour with a single goal.
Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary about all this, Next Goal Wins, is a much-loved heartwarmer. Maybe it needed a fiction-feature comedy remake and maybe it didn’t. But director Taika Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris have done one anyway, and the result, though necessarily sacrificing the stranger-than-fiction value of the documentary, is broad, affectionate and often funny in a goofy way. But...
- 12/20/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Rachel House, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Rhys Darby | Written by Taika Waititi, Iain Morris | Directed by Taika Waititi
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
- 12/19/2023
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale , Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo
Director: Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Out ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
What’s Good: While the film falls short in various aspects, non-binary actor Kaimana’s portrayal of Jaiaya, a transgender center forward, stands out with compelling scenes and effective chemistry with Fassbender. The film’s rooting interest in the big finale, particularly for Jaiaya, adds some emotional engagement. Michael Fassbender shines briefly in the face of adversity, showcasing his acting prowess.
What’s Bad: The film is criticized for being poorly crafted and notably unfunny, attempting to narrate an intriguing story in an unengaging manner. The exaggerated cartoonish comedic elements clash with Fassbender’s stoic seriousness, diluting the film’s sincerity. The lack of individual development...
Star Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale , Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo
Director: Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Out ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
What’s Good: While the film falls short in various aspects, non-binary actor Kaimana’s portrayal of Jaiaya, a transgender center forward, stands out with compelling scenes and effective chemistry with Fassbender. The film’s rooting interest in the big finale, particularly for Jaiaya, adds some emotional engagement. Michael Fassbender shines briefly in the face of adversity, showcasing his acting prowess.
What’s Bad: The film is criticized for being poorly crafted and notably unfunny, attempting to narrate an intriguing story in an unengaging manner. The exaggerated cartoonish comedic elements clash with Fassbender’s stoic seriousness, diluting the film’s sincerity. The lack of individual development...
- 12/11/2023
- by Hari P N
- KoiMoi
"Next Goal Wins" stumbled out of the gate in its opening weekend at the box office, which is unfortunate news for director Taika Waititi. After last year's disappointing "Thor: Love and Thunder," I was hoping his football/soccer-themed comedy would feel like a return to the types of smaller, more personal movies he made earlier in his career. Sadly, the film is a total misfire. I didn't laugh a single time, and it explores its story of a team overcoming adversity through the myopic lens of its white coach, played by Michael Fassbender. There are a couple of nods to what the game means to the players and the culture of American Samoa, but the film is frustratingly committed to seeing most of the action through the eyes of Fassbender's Thomas Rongen, and basically congratulating him for eventually learning to tolerate the existence of trans people.
The movie is clearly...
The movie is clearly...
- 11/20/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
Next Goal Wins is a biographical sports comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi, who also co-wrote the film with Iain Morris. Based on a novel of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, the film revolves around a Dutch American Football coach Thomas Rongen, who gets a choice to either be fired or convert the American Samoa national team into a great team, which was considered to be one of the weakest team in the world. Next Goal Wins stars Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Rachel House, David Fane, and Kaimana. So, if you love the sports comedy film here are some similar shows you could watch next.
The Mighty Ducks (Disney+ & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Disney
Synopsis: Tough trial lawyer Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) never loses. But when he’s slapped with a community service assignment, he must coach a ragtag team of...
The Mighty Ducks (Disney+ & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Disney
Synopsis: Tough trial lawyer Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez) never loses. But when he’s slapped with a community service assignment, he must coach a ragtag team of...
- 11/19/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Seeing as how the football season is in full swing, filling up the TV over the next few weekends, how can the multiplex prey those sports fanatics away from the small screens? Easy. put a real-life underdog football story on the big screens. Ah, but there are a couple of twists. Unlike Rudy or Any Given Sunday, this new film actually focuses on what the USA sports fans call soccer, but called football globally. Oh, and it does take place way way across that globe, though it’s still technically part of this country. Plus it’s not the typical inspirational inspired-by-real-events drama, but a rollicking comedy helmed by one of the current kingpins of slapstick farce. This ragtag team of misfits just wants to score one point, perhaps in the hope that the Next Goal Wins.
And just where is the setting for this story? Why, it takes place...
And just where is the setting for this story? Why, it takes place...
- 11/16/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
One can’t say that writer-director Taika Waititi doesn’t do an efficient job at telling us just what kind of experience Next Goal Wins is going to be right from the outset. After all the studio logos, the very first image we see is of Taika himself, playing an American Samoan priest, explains to the audience the tale of the most embarrassing defeat ever to occur on a soccer pitch: a match from April 11, 2001 when Australia beat American Samoa 31-0.
The footage of that match starts both Waititi’s film and the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison that it’s based on. And it’s a perfect way to kick-start a movie about a bunch of loveable losers struggling for the meager goal of scoring a single point in literally any game. The cherry on top of it all is the darkly hilarious...
The footage of that match starts both Waititi’s film and the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison that it’s based on. And it’s a perfect way to kick-start a movie about a bunch of loveable losers struggling for the meager goal of scoring a single point in literally any game. The cherry on top of it all is the darkly hilarious...
- 11/15/2023
- by Justin Clark
- Slant Magazine
No hostage left behind.
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
So many of your favorite stars have come together to thank President Biden for his efforts in working to peace amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Amid the news that two American hostages and two Israeli hostages have been released from captivity, Hollywood heavyweights are hoping for the safe return of the 220 innocent people who are still being held hostage by Hamas.
“We are heartened by Friday’s release of the two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan and by today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the letter read.
The letter continued, “But our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain captive by terrorists, threatened with torture and death. They were taken by Hamas in the savage massacre of October 7, where over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive,...
- 10/24/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
“We’re trying to introduce entirely new filmmakers into the repertoire of our company,” Anonymous Content’s David Levine said today.
Levine also revealed that Anonymous is is looking to expand internationally into Poland, Germany and Australia, adding: “We’re totally open to all forms of partnerships.”
Addressing the Mia Market, the Revenant and Mr Robot outfit’s Chief Creative Officer, who used to run HBO drama, said viewers to Anonymous’ projects will soon see the fruits of this strategy. Upcoming projects include the likes of Time Bandits, the Apple TV+ series from Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement and Iain Morris.
“The integrity of who we’re working with hasn’t changed but the spirit of openness and the new people who haven’t worked with us before, well, people will see that,” he said. “We’re trying to introduce entirely new filmmakers into the repertoire of our company.”
Levine was...
Levine also revealed that Anonymous is is looking to expand internationally into Poland, Germany and Australia, adding: “We’re totally open to all forms of partnerships.”
Addressing the Mia Market, the Revenant and Mr Robot outfit’s Chief Creative Officer, who used to run HBO drama, said viewers to Anonymous’ projects will soon see the fruits of this strategy. Upcoming projects include the likes of Time Bandits, the Apple TV+ series from Taika Waititi, Jemaine Clement and Iain Morris.
“The integrity of who we’re working with hasn’t changed but the spirit of openness and the new people who haven’t worked with us before, well, people will see that,” he said. “We’re trying to introduce entirely new filmmakers into the repertoire of our company.”
Levine was...
- 10/11/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The second official trailer for director Taika Waititi’s new film Next Goal Wins has just been released, and you can check it out above!
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
Kaimana in “Next Goal Wins.” Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on November 17, 2023!
For More Information,...
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
Kaimana in “Next Goal Wins.” Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on November 17, 2023!
For More Information,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
Taika Waititi, the filmmaker who won an adapted screenplay Oscar for “Jojo Rabbit” in 2020, has dropped a new trailer for his forthcoming sports-themed feature comedy “Next Goal Wins,” a mini-featurette that plays to the tune of Abba’s “Take A Chance On Me” and teases the film’s charming humor. The film opens in theaters on November 17, capping a lengthy delay for the project that wrapped production nearly four years ago. Watch the trailer above.
The Searchlight Pictures film, which Waititi co-wrote (with Iain Morris) as well as directed, is based on the 2014 documentary “Next Goal Wins” and tells the inspirational true story of the American Samoa soccer team, a squad “infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, the team hires the down-on-his-luck maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around.”
Besides Fassbender, the film features Oscar Kightley,...
The Searchlight Pictures film, which Waititi co-wrote (with Iain Morris) as well as directed, is based on the 2014 documentary “Next Goal Wins” and tells the inspirational true story of the American Samoa soccer team, a squad “infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup qualifiers approaching, the team hires the down-on-his-luck maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around.”
Besides Fassbender, the film features Oscar Kightley,...
- 9/27/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Taika Waititi is a busy, busy man. Just in the last couple of years he’s knocked out :a[Thor: Love And Thunder]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/thor-love-and-thunder/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, overseen TV hits :a[like Reservation Dogs]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/taika-waititi-native-american-tv-comedy/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} and the very lovely :a[Our Flag Means Death]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/tv/news/it-a-pirate-life-for-rhys-darby-and-taika-waititi-in-the-teaser-for-our-flag-means-death/' target='blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} – as well as being connected to all kinds of other projects, from the long-gestating live-action Akira, to his Flash Gordon, a TV version of Time Bandits, a Star Wars project, and loads of bits and pieces besides. So it’s no wonder the central message of his latest film – the long-awaited :a[Next Goal Wins]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/first-trailer-for-taika-waititis-next-goal-wins/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'}, which actually...
- 9/27/2023
- by Tom Nicholson
- Empire - Movies
In trailer two for Searchlight Pictures’ Next Goal Wins, writer/director Taika Waititi jokes that he went into the comedy knowing nothing about soccer…and came out knowing even less. The new trailer also finds Waititi explaining that he was attracted to the sports film based on real events because it’s a story about triumphing over adversity.
The underdog comedy stars Michael Fassbender as soccer coach Thomas Rongen. Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss also star in the PG-13 comedy.
Taika Waititi and Iain Morris wrote the screenplay, with Waititi, Jonathan Cavendish, Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, and Steve Jamison producing.
Next Goal Wins opens in theaters on November 17, 2023.
Michael Fassbender in ‘Next Goal Wins’ (Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures © 2022 20th Century Studios)
The Plot, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures:
Next Goal Wins...
The underdog comedy stars Michael Fassbender as soccer coach Thomas Rongen. Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss also star in the PG-13 comedy.
Taika Waititi and Iain Morris wrote the screenplay, with Waititi, Jonathan Cavendish, Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, and Steve Jamison producing.
Next Goal Wins opens in theaters on November 17, 2023.
Michael Fassbender in ‘Next Goal Wins’ (Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures © 2022 20th Century Studios)
The Plot, Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures:
Next Goal Wins...
- 9/26/2023
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
American Samoa is a U.S. territory in the South Pacific. With a population of just 45,000, it's a quiet nation, but it's got a national soccer team. Only problem? They're terrible. In 2001, they weren't just terrible -- they were quite literally the worst in the world. It was that year they would play a match that would go down in history: a 31-0 defeat to Australia, which is still the worst loss ever recorded in an international match.
"Next Goal Wins," directed by Taika Waititi, takes place 10 years later in 2011. With the American Samoa team facing World Cup qualifiers, they have a fairly modest objective in mind -- score a goal. Just one. To achieve this, they hire Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) an experienced but disgraced American coach to try and give them the boost they need, out of the bottom of the rankings and into ... well, anywhere but rock...
"Next Goal Wins," directed by Taika Waititi, takes place 10 years later in 2011. With the American Samoa team facing World Cup qualifiers, they have a fairly modest objective in mind -- score a goal. Just one. To achieve this, they hire Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) an experienced but disgraced American coach to try and give them the boost they need, out of the bottom of the rankings and into ... well, anywhere but rock...
- 9/15/2023
- by Barry Levitt
- Slash Film
Taika Waititi had two goals when approaching Next Goal Wins: one was to make sure people who looked like him found their way onto mainstream screens; two was making sure they were depicted taking the piss out of each other. He joked, after the world premiere, that Pacific Islanders are always shown playing majestic music and looking regal when reality was an infinite wealth of good-natured ribbing. And who better to embody that lack of self-satisfied pretension than arguably the worst soccer team to ever hit an international pitch: the American Samoa national football team, which lost to Australia 31 to nil in 2001.
As the island’s priest (Waititi) explains during his opening narration, the squad might have played even worse in the decade-plus that goes by once the film hits 2014. It’s here that Football Federation American Samoa president Tavita (Oscar Kightley) decides something needs to change. With World Cup...
As the island’s priest (Waititi) explains during his opening narration, the squad might have played even worse in the decade-plus that goes by once the film hits 2014. It’s here that Football Federation American Samoa president Tavita (Oscar Kightley) decides something needs to change. With World Cup...
- 9/11/2023
- by Jared Mobarak
- The Film Stage
Editor’s note: This review was originally published at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Searchlight Pitctures releases the film in theaters on Friday, November 17.
The first person you see on screen in Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” is Taika Waititi. The director himself shows up wearing a long mustache and priestly garb as the quasi narrator of his own movie. He’s doing a funny voice, and explaining the themes of what we are about to watch. This intro highlights perhaps the main issue with this occasionally funny but frequently messy sports movie: The dominant voice is Waititi’s, to the extent that we can’t hear any of the other characters. “Next Goal Wins” is a movie that gets too wrapped up in its own quirk to develop any compelling arcs.
Waititi adapts the film from the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison...
The first person you see on screen in Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” is Taika Waititi. The director himself shows up wearing a long mustache and priestly garb as the quasi narrator of his own movie. He’s doing a funny voice, and explaining the themes of what we are about to watch. This intro highlights perhaps the main issue with this occasionally funny but frequently messy sports movie: The dominant voice is Waititi’s, to the extent that we can’t hear any of the other characters. “Next Goal Wins” is a movie that gets too wrapped up in its own quirk to develop any compelling arcs.
Waititi adapts the film from the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison...
- 9/11/2023
- by Esther Zuckerman
- Indiewire
Taika Waititi’s quirky sense of humor isn’t for everyone. The New Zealand filmmaker repeatedly punched the podium microphone during his introduction of “Next Goal Wins” at its Toronto International Film Festival world premiere at the Princess of Wales Theatre on Sunday while TIFF CEO Cameron Bailey stood by gamely smiling at the antics of his guest. Waititi, after all, had won the 2019 TIFF audience award for his last film, “Jojo Rabbit,” which had premiered in the same room and had raised eyebrows with its Nazi satire.
That said, “Next Goal Wins” is his best and most crowd-pleasing effort to date. It’s the true tale of American Samoa’s abysmal soccer team gearing up for the 2011 World Cup qualifier under the coaching of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), who had just been fired by the U.S. national team. The story spawned a 2014 documentary of the same title by Steve Jamison and Mike Brett.
That said, “Next Goal Wins” is his best and most crowd-pleasing effort to date. It’s the true tale of American Samoa’s abysmal soccer team gearing up for the 2011 World Cup qualifier under the coaching of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), who had just been fired by the U.S. national team. The story spawned a 2014 documentary of the same title by Steve Jamison and Mike Brett.
- 9/11/2023
- by Martin Tsai
- The Wrap
Before the world premiere of his latest film, Next Goal Wins, Taika Waititi offered a few introductory words and a characteristically dopey bit. He thanked his team, and then punched the microphone at the Princess of Wales Theatre because he was fired up about imperialism. The microphone broke. The crowd laughed. Before leaving the stage, Waititi tried to express a sincere thought about the importance of seeing oneself onscreen.
The sentiment about representation didn’t land. Far more affecting was when the director invited an elder onstage to bless the film and welcome the crowd. The woman, flanked by members of her family, delivered a heartfelt speech and expressed genuine excitement about Next Goal Wins and Waititi’s achievements. She walked offstage, the lights dimmed and the movie started.
This moment, ironically, captures the problems with Next Goal Wins. The film works best when Waititi gets out of his own...
The sentiment about representation didn’t land. Far more affecting was when the director invited an elder onstage to bless the film and welcome the crowd. The woman, flanked by members of her family, delivered a heartfelt speech and expressed genuine excitement about Next Goal Wins and Waititi’s achievements. She walked offstage, the lights dimmed and the movie started.
This moment, ironically, captures the problems with Next Goal Wins. The film works best when Waititi gets out of his own...
- 9/11/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Does it count as a white savior movie if the white character is the one who needs saving? In “Next Goal Wins,” the world’s top-grossing indigenous director, Taika Waititi, retells the story of how American Samoa went from having the world’s worst soccer team to, well, not the worst. While a white man was involved, the movie — which suggests how a film like “Cool Runnings” might be made with 30 years’ more cultural enlightenment — is mostly about how their coach (Michael Fassbender) needs an attitude adjustment. Come to think of it, that’s essentially the formula for most white savior movies.
In 2001, the American Samoa soccer team set a world record. They lost the World Cup Qualification game 31-0. Apparently, they only got worse from there. Enter Fassbender’s character, Thomas Rongen, a hothead with an alcohol problem and an emotional backstory which the movie keeps up its sleeve...
In 2001, the American Samoa soccer team set a world record. They lost the World Cup Qualification game 31-0. Apparently, they only got worse from there. Enter Fassbender’s character, Thomas Rongen, a hothead with an alcohol problem and an emotional backstory which the movie keeps up its sleeve...
- 9/11/2023
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Fall film festivals are usually where we look for the more serious awards-bait pictures, but occasionally, as with tonight’s rousing world premiere of Taikia Waititi’s long-gestating soccer comedy Next Goal Wins, you get a real commercial crowd pleaser.
That is exactly what Waititi has delivered in adapting the 2014 documentary of the same time by filmmakers Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. Yes, this heartfelt movie fits right in with the well-overworked Hollywood sports movie formula — you know, the ragtag team that becomes triumphant against all odds. The triumph here wasn’t on a huge scale for the American Samoa men’s national team, which notoriously holds the record for the single-biggest loss in international football history when it lost a World Cup qualifier Australia 31-0 in 2001. The team remained at the bottom of the FIFA rankings until November 2011, when they finally got a goal, a victory itself, and beat...
That is exactly what Waititi has delivered in adapting the 2014 documentary of the same time by filmmakers Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. Yes, this heartfelt movie fits right in with the well-overworked Hollywood sports movie formula — you know, the ragtag team that becomes triumphant against all odds. The triumph here wasn’t on a huge scale for the American Samoa men’s national team, which notoriously holds the record for the single-biggest loss in international football history when it lost a World Cup qualifier Australia 31-0 in 2001. The team remained at the bottom of the FIFA rankings until November 2011, when they finally got a goal, a victory itself, and beat...
- 9/11/2023
- by Pete Hammond
- Deadline Film + TV
Although Taika Waititi is now known (for better or worse) mostly for his contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with the polar opposite receptions of his two Chris Hemsworth Thor movies, the New Zealand native insists his career will not be primarily big-budget Hollywood movies. The Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder director keeps one foot in smaller films. Waititi squeezed in the acclaimed Jojo Rabbit in between Marvel films, and he now helms the underdog soccer film Next Goal Wins.
The sports comedy will star Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, with Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss.
Fox Searchlight Pictures has recently released a series of photos from the film as well as an official one-sheet poster. Now, the studio has unveiled the first clip from the film that showcases Fassbender’s apathy in coaching the collection of his underwhelming ragtag roster.
The sports comedy will star Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, with Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss.
Fox Searchlight Pictures has recently released a series of photos from the film as well as an official one-sheet poster. Now, the studio has unveiled the first clip from the film that showcases Fassbender’s apathy in coaching the collection of his underwhelming ragtag roster.
- 9/6/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The Toronto International Film Festival is looking to score as the annual celebration prepares to host the world premiere of Taika Waititi’s soccer comedy Next Goal Wins. Waititi and TIFF are old friends, with the quirky director making a splash at the event in 2019 with his controversial buddy comedy Jojo Rabbit. The “anti-hate satire” earned the show’s coveted People’s Choice Award, producing solid box office earnings when the film went wide.
Scripted by Waititi and Iain Morris, Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. The movie is about “the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is about a goal every four minutes,” Taika Waitit told Entertainment Weekly. “After suffering that huge defeat, they applied to the soccer federation to find a coach who could get them from the very,...
Scripted by Waititi and Iain Morris, Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. The movie is about “the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is about a goal every four minutes,” Taika Waitit told Entertainment Weekly. “After suffering that huge defeat, they applied to the soccer federation to find a coach who could get them from the very,...
- 6/28/2023
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins” will have its world premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, TIFF organizers announced on Wednesday.
Waititi’s Oscar-winning feature “Jojo Rabbit” also premiered at TIFF and won the festival’s People’s Choice Award in 2019. His most recent film was “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) for Marvel/Disney.
A sports comedy starring Michael Fassbender, “Next Goal Wins” is based on the story of the 2014 American Samoa soccer team, which lost a FIFA match 31-0 and then hired a Dutch-American coach, Thomas Rongen, to help them prepare for World Cup qualifiers. Waititi and Iain Morris wrote a screenplay based on the Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary of the same name.
Also Read:
Taika Waititi and Michael Fassbender Are Underdogs in ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer (Video)
Michael Fassbender stars as Rongen, with other members of the cast including Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Rhys Darby and Oscar Knightley.
Waititi’s Oscar-winning feature “Jojo Rabbit” also premiered at TIFF and won the festival’s People’s Choice Award in 2019. His most recent film was “Thor: Love and Thunder” (2022) for Marvel/Disney.
A sports comedy starring Michael Fassbender, “Next Goal Wins” is based on the story of the 2014 American Samoa soccer team, which lost a FIFA match 31-0 and then hired a Dutch-American coach, Thomas Rongen, to help them prepare for World Cup qualifiers. Waititi and Iain Morris wrote a screenplay based on the Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary of the same name.
Also Read:
Taika Waititi and Michael Fassbender Are Underdogs in ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer (Video)
Michael Fassbender stars as Rongen, with other members of the cast including Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Rhys Darby and Oscar Knightley.
- 6/28/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
Exclusive: Norwegian actor Rune Temte (Time Bandits) has signed with Artist International Group for management.
Best known for roles in Netflix and BBC Two’s The Last Kingdom, Dexter Fletcher’s acclaimed sports comedy Eddie the Eagle with Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman, and Captain Marvel, Temte last fall took on a series regular role in Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris and Taika Waititi’s Apple TV+ adaptation of Time Bandits, the 1981 fantasy adventure film from Terry Gilliam.
In the series from Piki Films, Anonymous Content, MRC Television and Paramount Television Studios, centered on a boy’s discovery of a portal in his bedroom that allows him to travel through time, Temte plays the character Bittelig, starring alongside Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Kiera Thompson and Rachel House.
Most recently seen starring alongside Kristen Wiig and Maggie Smith in Gil Kenan’s film A Boy Called Christmas,...
Best known for roles in Netflix and BBC Two’s The Last Kingdom, Dexter Fletcher’s acclaimed sports comedy Eddie the Eagle with Taron Egerton and Hugh Jackman, and Captain Marvel, Temte last fall took on a series regular role in Jemaine Clement, Iain Morris and Taika Waititi’s Apple TV+ adaptation of Time Bandits, the 1981 fantasy adventure film from Terry Gilliam.
In the series from Piki Films, Anonymous Content, MRC Television and Paramount Television Studios, centered on a boy’s discovery of a portal in his bedroom that allows him to travel through time, Temte plays the character Bittelig, starring alongside Lisa Kudrow, Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi, Tadhg Murphy, Roger Jean Nsengiyumva, Kiera Thompson and Rachel House.
Most recently seen starring alongside Kristen Wiig and Maggie Smith in Gil Kenan’s film A Boy Called Christmas,...
- 6/6/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline reports that Taika Waititi is in negotiations to direct Klara and the Sun for Sony’s 3000 Pictures.
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s New York Times best-selling novel, Klara and the Sun follows a robot girl created to prevent teenagers from becoming lonely. The film portrays her efforts to save the family of humans she lives with from heartbreak. Dahvi Waller (Mad Men) has penned the screenplay for the adaptation, which David Heyman will produce for Heyday Films. Should the deal close, Klara and the Sun will likely be the next movie from Taika Waititi.
“Here is the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside,” reads the novel’s official description. “She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her.
Based on Kazuo Ishiguro’s New York Times best-selling novel, Klara and the Sun follows a robot girl created to prevent teenagers from becoming lonely. The film portrays her efforts to save the family of humans she lives with from heartbreak. Dahvi Waller (Mad Men) has penned the screenplay for the adaptation, which David Heyman will produce for Heyday Films. Should the deal close, Klara and the Sun will likely be the next movie from Taika Waititi.
“Here is the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, who, from her place in the store, watches carefully the behavior of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass on the street outside,” reads the novel’s official description. “She remains hopeful that a customer will soon choose her.
- 5/1/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Following on from (even if it was shot before the Marvel movie)Thor: Love And Thunder, Taika Waititi's going back to more of a light-hearted, gentle comedy mode with Next Goal Wins. And, after a long wait, we finally have a first trailer.
Based on true events (and the eponymous 2014 documentary), Waititi's latest tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits a down on his luck, maverick coach (Michael Fassbender) to help turn their fate around.
There are strong Ted Lasso vibes here, but it's all shot through with Taika's trademark wit, a product of him writing the script with Iain Morris. And the co-writer/director talked to Empire about the movie last year.
Elisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo,...
Based on true events (and the eponymous 2014 documentary), Waititi's latest tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, who suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the team recruits a down on his luck, maverick coach (Michael Fassbender) to help turn their fate around.
There are strong Ted Lasso vibes here, but it's all shot through with Taika's trademark wit, a product of him writing the script with Iain Morris. And the co-writer/director talked to Empire about the movie last year.
Elisabeth Moss, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo,...
- 4/27/2023
- by James White
- Empire - Movies
The official trailer for the new film Next Goal Wins from director Taika Waititi has just been released, and you can check it out above!
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on November 17, 2023!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / #NextGoalWins
The post...
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Knightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Semu Filipo, Lehi Falepapalangi, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on November 17, 2023!
For More Information, Please Visit:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / #NextGoalWins
The post...
- 4/26/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
At one time, Searchlight Pictures was planning to release director Taika Waititi‘s new movie Next Goal Wins on April 21st. We already would have had the chance to see it last weekend. The release date ended up shifting back to September 22nd – and five days after the original release date, a trailer for the film has now arrived online! You can check it out in the embed above.
Scripted by Waititi and Iain Morris, Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary from Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. The movie is about “the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is about a goal every four minutes,” Taika Waitit told Entertainment Weekly. “After suffering that huge defeat, they applied to the soccer federation to find a coach who could get them from the very, very bottom of the FIFA rankings.
Scripted by Waititi and Iain Morris, Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary from Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. The movie is about “the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is about a goal every four minutes,” Taika Waitit told Entertainment Weekly. “After suffering that huge defeat, they applied to the soccer federation to find a coach who could get them from the very, very bottom of the FIFA rankings.
- 4/26/2023
- by Cody Hamman
- JoBlo.com
In the wake of Disney’s big panel at CinemaCon today, they’ve released the trailer for their fall sports film from Searchlight Pictures, Taika Waititi’s “Next Goal Wins.”
The film, an adaptation of the sports documentary of the same name, is based on the true story of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), the soccer coach tasked with turning around the American Samoa national soccer team, considered one of the weakest teams in international play, in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Waititi’s humor is on full display in the trailer, with Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me” playing throughout. As blonde Fassbender stars as Rongen, a down-on-his-luck coach engaging in the sports formula of traveling to a different country to turn a ragtag group of soccer players into champions. Waititi himself even plays on this, emphasizing his losses of an Oscar with “Jojo Rabbit...
The film, an adaptation of the sports documentary of the same name, is based on the true story of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), the soccer coach tasked with turning around the American Samoa national soccer team, considered one of the weakest teams in international play, in their bid to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
Waititi’s humor is on full display in the trailer, with Abba’s “Take a Chance on Me” playing throughout. As blonde Fassbender stars as Rongen, a down-on-his-luck coach engaging in the sports formula of traveling to a different country to turn a ragtag group of soccer players into champions. Waititi himself even plays on this, emphasizing his losses of an Oscar with “Jojo Rabbit...
- 4/26/2023
- by Kristen Lopez
- The Wrap
Searchlight Pictures has released the trailer for Taika Waititi’s upcoming sports comedy-drama film, “Next Goal Wins.”
Based on directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary of the same name, “Next Goal Wins” follows the true story of unorthodox coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) as he attempts to turn the American Samoa national soccer team into champions. The film takes place after the soccer team’s infamous 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001.
Along with Fassbender, the film stars Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Uli Latukefu, Rhys Darby, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Rachel House, Angus Sampson, Frankie Adams, Beulah Koale, Sisa Grey, Russell Satele, Karim Benz, and Chris Aloso. Variety exclusively reported in Nov. 2019 that Kaimana, a fa’afafine non-binary actor, will portray Jaiyah Saelua, the first non-binary player to compete in a men’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“It was vital,” Waititi told Variety about casting a non-binary actor for the role.
Based on directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary of the same name, “Next Goal Wins” follows the true story of unorthodox coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) as he attempts to turn the American Samoa national soccer team into champions. The film takes place after the soccer team’s infamous 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001.
Along with Fassbender, the film stars Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, Uli Latukefu, Rhys Darby, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Rachel House, Angus Sampson, Frankie Adams, Beulah Koale, Sisa Grey, Russell Satele, Karim Benz, and Chris Aloso. Variety exclusively reported in Nov. 2019 that Kaimana, a fa’afafine non-binary actor, will portray Jaiyah Saelua, the first non-binary player to compete in a men’s FIFA World Cup qualifier.
“It was vital,” Waititi told Variety about casting a non-binary actor for the role.
- 4/26/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Taika Waititi is continuing his Hollywood winning streak with “Next Goal Wins.”
The long-awaited soccer-centric comedy, distributed by Searchlight Pictures, is based on the true story of a Dutch soccer coach who helps the American Samoa national team in Hawaii reach new heights.
Michael Fassbender stars as Thomas Rongen, the coach who finds himself on the other side of the world put in charge of the planet’s worst soccer team, per the official synopsis. After suffering a world record loss in a competitive international football match, a crushing 31-0 defeat to Australia, the American Samoa national team sought to uncover a hidden spark within their side by appointing a new and innovative coach with some different ideas.
Rongen’s life story was captured in a 2014 documentary of the same name, leading Waititi to co-write its adaptation alongside Iain Morris.
Elisabeth Moss stars as Coach Rongen’s ex-wife and Will Arnett plays a soccer executive.
The long-awaited soccer-centric comedy, distributed by Searchlight Pictures, is based on the true story of a Dutch soccer coach who helps the American Samoa national team in Hawaii reach new heights.
Michael Fassbender stars as Thomas Rongen, the coach who finds himself on the other side of the world put in charge of the planet’s worst soccer team, per the official synopsis. After suffering a world record loss in a competitive international football match, a crushing 31-0 defeat to Australia, the American Samoa national team sought to uncover a hidden spark within their side by appointing a new and innovative coach with some different ideas.
Rongen’s life story was captured in a 2014 documentary of the same name, leading Waititi to co-write its adaptation alongside Iain Morris.
Elisabeth Moss stars as Coach Rongen’s ex-wife and Will Arnett plays a soccer executive.
- 4/26/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Taika Waititi’s follow-up to “Thor: Love and Thunder,” “Next Goal Wins,” has all the ingredients of a potential Awards contender. The movie is based on the 2014 British documentary of the same name, directed by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, with a script written by Waititi and Iain Morris. The movie tells the story of coach Thomas Rongen, who is tasked to turn around the American Samoa national football team from one of the worst football teams in the world to one of the best.
Continue reading ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer: Taika Waititi’s Sports Comedy With Michael Fassbender Hits Theaters In November at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Next Goal Wins’ Trailer: Taika Waititi’s Sports Comedy With Michael Fassbender Hits Theaters In November at The Playlist.
- 4/26/2023
- by Maxance Vincent
- The Playlist
Michael Fassbender plays football coach in feel-good drama.
Searchlight has pushed Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins into the awards season corridor, moving the feel-good drama from September 22 to November 17.
Waititi’s new feature stars Michael Fassbender as a football coach tasked with improving the American Samoa football team after their 31-0 drubbing by Australia in a 2001 World Cup qualifier.
As the next World Cup qualifiers approach, can the down-on-his-luck coach reverse the team’s fortunes?
Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name and also stars Oscar Kightley, non-binary Samoan actor Kaimana, David Fane, Elizabeth Moss,...
Searchlight has pushed Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins into the awards season corridor, moving the feel-good drama from September 22 to November 17.
Waititi’s new feature stars Michael Fassbender as a football coach tasked with improving the American Samoa football team after their 31-0 drubbing by Australia in a 2001 World Cup qualifier.
As the next World Cup qualifiers approach, can the down-on-his-luck coach reverse the team’s fortunes?
Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name and also stars Oscar Kightley, non-binary Samoan actor Kaimana, David Fane, Elizabeth Moss,...
- 4/12/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Searchlight Pictures has pushed back the release date for Taika Waititi‘s Next Goal Wins, the Michael Fassbender-led soccer comedy, which the Oscar winner wrote with Iain Morris. The Hawaii-set feature is now set to open on November 17th, having previously been dated for September 22nd.
Competitors for Next Goal Wins in its opening weekend at the box office will include Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, TriStar’s Eli Roth pic Thanksgiving and Uni’s Trolls Band Together. Pic had previously been set to open against Lionsgate’s The Expendables 4 and Sony’s The Book of Clarence.
Reteaming Waititi with Searchlight on the heels of his Oscar winner Jojo Rabbit, Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, which suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the...
Competitors for Next Goal Wins in its opening weekend at the box office will include Lionsgate’s The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, TriStar’s Eli Roth pic Thanksgiving and Uni’s Trolls Band Together. Pic had previously been set to open against Lionsgate’s The Expendables 4 and Sony’s The Book of Clarence.
Reteaming Waititi with Searchlight on the heels of his Oscar winner Jojo Rabbit, Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa soccer team, which suffered the worst loss in World Cup history, losing to Australia 31-0 in 2001. With the 2014 World Cup approaching, the...
- 4/12/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi, Next Goal Wins follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world’s worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.
The cast of “Next Goal Wins.” Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on September 3, 2023!
The post Release Date Set for “Next Goal Wins” first appeared on CinemaNerdz.
The cast of “Next Goal Wins.” Photo by Hilary Bronwyn Gayle. Courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. © 2022 20th Century Studios All Rights Reserved.
About The Film
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sport Cast: Director: Taika Waititi Screenplay: Iain Morris, Taika Waititi Producer: Garrett Basch, Mike Brett, Jonathan Cavendish, Steve Jamison, Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins is only in theaters on September 3, 2023!
The post Release Date Set for “Next Goal Wins” first appeared on CinemaNerdz.
- 1/6/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
One of the benefits of being a Taika Waititi fan (Waititians? Taikalites? I'll workshop it) these days is that you rarely have to wait long for his next project to pop up, be it something he directed, wrote, or stars in, if not all three (as is often the case). That also makes it less of a big deal when one of his ventures leaves you, shall we say, underwhelmed.
Case in point: If Waititi's superhero sequel "Thor: Love and Thunder" wasn't your cup of tea and left you wishing he would get back to his roots in making quirky low-budget dramedies, then I come bearing good news. His latest directorial effort, "Next Goal Wins," sees Waititi tackling another story about misfits that blends broad humor with real pathos. If that title sounds familiar, it's because the film is based on Mike Brett and Steve Jamison's 2014 sports documentary of...
Case in point: If Waititi's superhero sequel "Thor: Love and Thunder" wasn't your cup of tea and left you wishing he would get back to his roots in making quirky low-budget dramedies, then I come bearing good news. His latest directorial effort, "Next Goal Wins," sees Waititi tackling another story about misfits that blends broad humor with real pathos. If that title sounds familiar, it's because the film is based on Mike Brett and Steve Jamison's 2014 sports documentary of...
- 12/22/2022
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Taika Waititi is leaving the realm of the gods for somewhere a little more terrestrial with his next movie, but we have a bit more of a wait until we can finally see it. Next Goal Wins was previously slated to hit theaters on April 21, 2023, but Disney has pushed the release of the soccer comedy back to September 22, 2023.
Starring Michael Fassbender, Next Goal Wins follows a Dutch-American coach who is tasked with turning the infamously terrible American Samoa national team into an elite squad. The film also stars Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, and Rhys Darby. Taika Waititi directed the movie from a script he co-wrote the Iain Morris.
Related Will Arnett taking over Armie Hammer’s role in Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins
“The story is about the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is...
Starring Michael Fassbender, Next Goal Wins follows a Dutch-American coach who is tasked with turning the infamously terrible American Samoa national team into an elite squad. The film also stars Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, and Rhys Darby. Taika Waititi directed the movie from a script he co-wrote the Iain Morris.
Related Will Arnett taking over Armie Hammer’s role in Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins
“The story is about the worst soccer team in the world, who famously experienced the biggest loss in an international match against Australia, 31-0, which is...
- 12/21/2022
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Taika Waititi’s upcoming soccer drama with Disney, “Next Goal Wins,” has pushed back its release date to Sept. 22, 2023, the studio announced Wednesday.
The new film from the Oscar-winning screenwriter was originally set for April 21, 2023.
Searchlight’s “Next Goal Wins” is an adaptation of the 2014 documentary of the same name, which chronicles the weak national football team of American Samoa as they qualify for one of the first rounds of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against all odds with the help of Dutch-born coach Thomas Rongen.
Also Read:
Taika Waititi to Adapt Soccer Documentary ‘Next Goal Wins’ for Fox Searchlight
Waititi serves as director, and writes alongside Iain Morris. The project hails from Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium Productions, which optioned the documentary by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison in 2015. Producers include Waititi, Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish, Garrett Basch, Brett and Jamison. Michael Fassbender stars as Rongen along with Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett and Rhys Darby.
The new film from the Oscar-winning screenwriter was originally set for April 21, 2023.
Searchlight’s “Next Goal Wins” is an adaptation of the 2014 documentary of the same name, which chronicles the weak national football team of American Samoa as they qualify for one of the first rounds of the 2014 FIFA World Cup against all odds with the help of Dutch-born coach Thomas Rongen.
Also Read:
Taika Waititi to Adapt Soccer Documentary ‘Next Goal Wins’ for Fox Searchlight
Waititi serves as director, and writes alongside Iain Morris. The project hails from Andy Serkis’ Imaginarium Productions, which optioned the documentary by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison in 2015. Producers include Waititi, Serkis, Jonathan Cavendish, Garrett Basch, Brett and Jamison. Michael Fassbender stars as Rongen along with Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett and Rhys Darby.
- 12/21/2022
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Searchlight’s Next Goal Wins from Oscar-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi is jumping from April 21 next year to Sept. 22. It won’t be a shocker if this film world premieres at TIFF as that’s where Waititi’s Jojo Rabbit blasted off before its Oscar run winning the fest’s top prize, the People’s Choice Award.
Next Goal Wins follows the infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0. Michael Fassbender stars with Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, and Rhys Darby. Waititi, who took an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, co-wrote here with Iain Morris.
The only other films debuting on Sept. 22 next year are Millennium/Lionsgate’s Expendables 4 and an untitled DC movie from Warner Bros....
Next Goal Wins follows the infamously terrible American Samoa soccer team, known for a brutal 2001 FIFA match they lost 31-0. Michael Fassbender stars with Elisabeth Moss, Will Arnett, and Rhys Darby. Waititi, who took an Oscar for Adapted Screenplay for Jojo Rabbit, co-wrote here with Iain Morris.
The only other films debuting on Sept. 22 next year are Millennium/Lionsgate’s Expendables 4 and an untitled DC movie from Warner Bros....
- 12/21/2022
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
The original "Time Bandits" was likely a pivotal movie for many of our readers growing up, as it helped bring the wackiness and chaos of Terry Gilliam movies to younger audiences. I know that it was certainly my introduction to the director. Now, a brand new generation will be able to experience "Time Bandits" thanks to Taika Waititi.
Apple TV+ has officially greenlit its long-gestating remake of the film for the streamer. While it wasn't formally announced beforehand, the series has already accrued a stacked cast that will reimagine the characters we became familiar with in the film. Kal-El Tuck will portray Kevin, an "eleven-year-old history nerd," according to Apple TV+, that meets a band of thieves and travels with them throughout time and space. Kiera Thompson will play a character named Saffron, who will likely be Kevin's sister.
While the entire group of thieves has not been confirmed, we...
Apple TV+ has officially greenlit its long-gestating remake of the film for the streamer. While it wasn't formally announced beforehand, the series has already accrued a stacked cast that will reimagine the characters we became familiar with in the film. Kal-El Tuck will portray Kevin, an "eleven-year-old history nerd," according to Apple TV+, that meets a band of thieves and travels with them throughout time and space. Kiera Thompson will play a character named Saffron, who will likely be Kevin's sister.
While the entire group of thieves has not been confirmed, we...
- 9/28/2022
- by Erin Brady
- Slash Film
Taika Waititi is a busy man. In addition to his big-budget productions, he also has a smaller film titled, Next Goal Wins, which has currently completed production. He is also producing the What We Do in the Shadows series as well as producing and acting in Our Flag Means Death for HBO Max. Variety now reports that the New Zealander will be co-producing, writing, and directing for the new series, Time Bandits, over at Apple TV+.
The official plot for Time Bandits reads that it is “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd.” It was recently revealed that Lisa Kudrow, of Friends fame, will be joining the cast as Penelope. Kal-El Tuck from Unseeing Evil will play the eleven-year-old history nerd, Kevin. Charlene Yi, of Knocked Up and Paper Hearts, is cast to play Judy. Tadhg Murphy...
The official plot for Time Bandits reads that it is “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd.” It was recently revealed that Lisa Kudrow, of Friends fame, will be joining the cast as Penelope. Kal-El Tuck from Unseeing Evil will play the eleven-year-old history nerd, Kevin. Charlene Yi, of Knocked Up and Paper Hearts, is cast to play Judy. Tadhg Murphy...
- 9/28/2022
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Lisa Kudrow (The Comeback) has been tapped to lead the ensemble cast of Time Bandits, Apple’s TV series adaptation of the beloved Terry Gilliam-directed movie, co-written, directed and executive produced by Taika Waititi (Our Flag Means Death), Joining Kudrow as series regulars are Kal-El Tuck (Unseeing Evil), Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up), Tadhg Murphy (Conversations With Friends), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (You Don’t Know Me), Rune Temte (Eddie the Eagle), Kiera Thompson (Martyrs Lane) and Rachel House (Heartbreak High). The casting announcement also confirms the official series greenlight for the project, which had been in development at Apple since 2019.
Waititi directs the first two episodes of the 10-episode series, co-produced by Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content’s AC Studios and MRC Television. It’s described as a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd.
Kudrow plays Penelope...
Waititi directs the first two episodes of the 10-episode series, co-produced by Paramount Television Studios, Anonymous Content’s AC Studios and MRC Television. It’s described as a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd.
Kudrow plays Penelope...
- 9/28/2022
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Lisa Kudrow has a bunch of new friends!
The Emmy winner has signed on to star in Time Bandits, the forthcoming Apple TV+ comedy from Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Reservation Dogs, Our Flag Means Death).
More from TVLineThe Mosquito Coast, Mythic Quest and More Get Fall Release Dates at AppleRhea Seehorn to Star in Vince Gilligan Series With Two-Season Order at AppleMight Aaron Judge Make Al Home Run History on... Apple TV+?
A reimagining of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult fantasy film, the TV adaptation is described as a “comedic journey through time and space with a...
The Emmy winner has signed on to star in Time Bandits, the forthcoming Apple TV+ comedy from Taika Waititi (What We Do in the Shadows, Reservation Dogs, Our Flag Means Death).
More from TVLineThe Mosquito Coast, Mythic Quest and More Get Fall Release Dates at AppleRhea Seehorn to Star in Vince Gilligan Series With Two-Season Order at AppleMight Aaron Judge Make Al Home Run History on... Apple TV+?
A reimagining of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 cult fantasy film, the TV adaptation is described as a “comedic journey through time and space with a...
- 9/28/2022
- by Michael Ausiello
- TVLine.com
Taika Waititi’s ‘Time Bandits’ Series at Apple Sets Main Cast, Including Lisa Kudrow and Charlene Yi
The “Time Bandits” TV series at Apple from Taika Waititi has found its main cast, Variety has learned.
Joining the series are: Lisa Kudrow as Kevin; Charlyne Yi as Judy; Tadhg Murphy as Alto; Roger Jean Nsengiyumva as Widgit; Rune Temte as Bittelig; Kiera Thompson as Saffron; and Rachel House as Fianna.
The official description of the 10-episode series describes it as “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd (Tuck).”
Kudrow is repped by CAA, Viewpoint and Gochman Law Group. Tuck is repped by rebel nineteen.
Yi is repped by Global Artists Agency, manager Gladys Gonzalez and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis. Murphy is repped by Susannah Norris Agency. Nsengiyumva is repped by United Agents.
Temte is repped by Actors in Scandinavia, in the US by Artist International, and Jackoway Austen. Thompson is repped by Cvgg. House is repped by Lion Rock Management.
Joining the series are: Lisa Kudrow as Kevin; Charlyne Yi as Judy; Tadhg Murphy as Alto; Roger Jean Nsengiyumva as Widgit; Rune Temte as Bittelig; Kiera Thompson as Saffron; and Rachel House as Fianna.
The official description of the 10-episode series describes it as “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an eleven-year-old history nerd (Tuck).”
Kudrow is repped by CAA, Viewpoint and Gochman Law Group. Tuck is repped by rebel nineteen.
Yi is repped by Global Artists Agency, manager Gladys Gonzalez and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis. Murphy is repped by Susannah Norris Agency. Nsengiyumva is repped by United Agents.
Temte is repped by Actors in Scandinavia, in the US by Artist International, and Jackoway Austen. Thompson is repped by Cvgg. House is repped by Lion Rock Management.
- 9/28/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Lisa Kudrow is traveling through time.
The Friends Emmy winner will head the cast for Apple TV+’s Time Bandits, Taika Waititi’s series adaptation of the 1981 Terry Gilliam film. The show has also cast seven other actors: Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi (Always Be My Maybe), Tadhg Murphy (Conversations With Friends), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (Tomb Raider), Rune Temte (Captain Marvel), Kiera Thompson and Rachel House (Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok and Hunt for the Wilderpeople).
Time Bandits, which Apple began developing in 2019, is described as “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history nerd” named Kevin (Tuck). Waititi is a co-writer on the series and will direct the first two episodes.
The show is the latest series for the prolific Waititi, who’s also an executive producer of FX’s What We Do in the Shadows...
Lisa Kudrow is traveling through time.
The Friends Emmy winner will head the cast for Apple TV+’s Time Bandits, Taika Waititi’s series adaptation of the 1981 Terry Gilliam film. The show has also cast seven other actors: Kal-El Tuck, Charlyne Yi (Always Be My Maybe), Tadhg Murphy (Conversations With Friends), Roger Jean Nsengiyumva (Tomb Raider), Rune Temte (Captain Marvel), Kiera Thompson and Rachel House (Waititi’s Thor: Ragnarok and Hunt for the Wilderpeople).
Time Bandits, which Apple began developing in 2019, is described as “a comedic journey through time and space with a ragtag group of thieves and their newest recruit: an 11-year-old history nerd” named Kevin (Tuck). Waititi is a co-writer on the series and will direct the first two episodes.
The show is the latest series for the prolific Waititi, who’s also an executive producer of FX’s What We Do in the Shadows...
- 9/28/2022
- by Rick Porter
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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