Taika Waititi’s latest film Next Goal Wins hit theaters today and tells the true story of the worst football team to ever hit the international stage. A sports comedy with a lot of heart, Next Goal Wins stars Michael Fassbender and newcomer Kaimana in a sweet story about the 2014 American Samoa team that just wouldn’t give up.
The film is described as follows: “Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok) and based on a true story, 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.”
We’re excited to debut an exclusive featurette from the film that includes interviews with the cast and the creative team. While the story is told through the perspective of Fassbender’s Thomas Rongen, the featurette explores the cast and crew’s perspective on island life and the tight-knit community of American Samoa.
Director Taika Waititi talks about the film’s perspective and the importance of the setting, saying “Even though the whole film really does feel like it’s from Thomas’ point of view, the island itself and the culture and the people are a massive force.”
Next Goal Wins is the kind of funny, smart, and heartfelt comedy we’ve come to expect from Waititi. With shining performances from people we love (because come on, Waititi is going to bring his friends), it’s a movie you’ll certainly enjoy.
Next Goal Wins is in theaters now!
(featured image: Searchlight Pictures)
