Taika Waititi’s NEXT GOAL WINS Starts Production

Fox Searchlight Pictures recently announced that it has acquired Worldwide rights to Next Goal Wins, the new feature from director Taika Waititi (JoJo Rabbit and Thor: Ragnarok). The film began production last week in Honolulu, Hawaii and is written by Waititi and Iain Morris, and stars Michael Fassbender and Elisabeth Moss.

Waititi is producing the film alongside Jonathan Cavendish and Garrett Basch, with Andy Serkis, Will Tennant, and Kathryn Dean serving as executive producers. Additional producers include Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, who directed the 2014 documentary from which the film is based. The film will be overseen by Presidents of Production for Film and Television David Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, SVP of Production DanTram Nguyen, and VP Production Taylor Friedman.

Next Goal Wins 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 (Fassbender) to help turn their fate around.

Rounding out the ensemble cast are Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, and Kaimana in her debut role.

Director Waititi recently stated, “We have such an amazing cast and crew behind this film, and I’m stoked to be partnering once again with the lovely people at Fox Searchlight Pictures.” Greenfield and Greenbaum added, “Taika is an incredible talent and master at bringing honesty and humanity to the surface in any story. We are thrilled to be working with him again on such an extraordinary true story of perseverance in the face of defeat. He has brought together a terrific group of actors, craftspeople and sports players to bring this unique story to life.”

NEXT GOAL WINS is an

Imaginarium / Defender / Garrett Basch Production for Fox Searchlight Pictures