Taika Waititi 'Next Goal Wins' movie - first promo poster & new release date
Taika Waititi released a first glimpse of his 'Next Goal Wins' movie with the first promo poster and a new release date on his social media yesterday.
The movie follows the "world's worst soccer team" and its history making transgender player ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in 2001. The team went on to lose their qualifying game against Australia by 31-0.
The film is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison about Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen's efforts to lead the American Samoa national football team.
Michael Fassbender will star as Rongen, alongside Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Kaimana, Rhys Darby, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss. Filming began in Honolulu in November 2019.
Check out the trailer for the original documentary below -
Jaiyah Saelua who made history as the first openly non-binary and trans woman to play in a FIFA World Cup qualifier and then in the OFC Champions League was part of the American Samoan team and her achievements have paved the way for greater inclusion and acceptance of non-binary and transgender athletes in the world of football.
Oceania Football Centre wrote that despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles throughout her career, Saelua has remained steadfast in her commitment to the sport she loves. Her story serves as an inspiration to people all over the world, reminding us of the power of sports to break down barriers and unite us all.
We asked Jaiyah how she was feeling about the movie remake being released at the end of the year.
"The wait reminded me of the wait for the documentary" she said "it was shot in 2011 but didn't get released until 2014. The Hollywood remake was shot in 2019, and it's finally being released this November. Words can't express the excitement I felt when you sent me a message about seeing the poster for Next Goal Wins; before I even saw it.
It's pretty surreal to think a Hollywood movie partly about my life is actually going to be in theaters worldwide. The documentary was able to reach many people around the world, but this remake is going to amplify the story of my team. The most fulfilling fact for me is that this film is directed by a Polynesian, with a majority Polynesian cast, retelling a Polynesian story.
Epic! In any case, this is a win for Pasefika people! Vi'ia le Ali'i!"
