Is Next Goal Wins Based on a True Story? Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer and More
by Tamilarasi S
Updated Nov 18, 2023
Next Goal Wins
"Next Goal Wins," a movie directed by Taika Waititi, brings to life the true story of Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen's incredible journey with the American Samoa national football team. The film, released in 2023, is based on a 2014 documentary of the same name by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. Rongen undertakes the challenging task of turning around a team often regarded as one of the weakest in the world, aiming to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Michael Fassbender leads the cast, portraying Rongen alongside a talented ensemble, including Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, and Elisabeth Moss.
The movie delves into the highs and lows of the team's journey, blending elements of sports, comedy, and drama. With Waititi's direction, "Next Goal Wins" not only captures the challenges faced by Rongen and his players but also infuses a light-hearted touch, making it an engaging and inspiring portrayal of an underdog sports story. The film showcases the resilience of a team considered the underdog, adding humour and heart to the real-life events that unfolded as they strived for success on the football field.
Is Next Goal Wins Based on a True Story?
Yes, "Next Goal Wins" is based on a true story. The film follows the journey of the American Samoa soccer team, led by Dutch coach Thomas Rongen, who attempts the challenging task of turning the team from consistent losers into winners. This story is inspired by a 2014 British documentary with the same name directed by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison. In both the documentary and the movie, the focus is on the real-life efforts to transform the team, making the film a fictionalised adaptation of actual events.
Director Taika Waititi, who helmed the 2023 movie, intentionally adds a light-hearted touch to the story, as he believes in the importance of cultural authenticity in filmmaking. He emphasises the need for films about specific cultures to be created by people from that culture or those who have lived among it, aiming to avoid misrepresentations and stereotypes that can occur when stories are told by outsiders.
Next Goal Wins Release Date
"Next Goal Wins" had its first showing at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023, building excitement among viewers. However, the official release for the general audience in theatres was scheduled for November 17, 2023. Originally planned for April 21, 2023, the release date was later changed to September 22, 2023, before finally settling on the November date. These adjustments in the release schedule allowed more time for preparations and promotions.
It's interesting to note that the film's cast faced challenges attending the premiere due to restrictions imposed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite these obstacles, "Next Goal Wins" eventually made its way to audiences, and the chosen release date marked the opportunity for people to enjoy the film on the big screen, experiencing the true story of the American Samoa soccer team's journey with Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen.
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Next Goal Wins Cast
Michael Fassbender
Thomas Rongen
Oscar Kightley
Tavita
Beulah Koale
Daru Taumua
Will Arnett
Alex Magnussen
Elisabeth Moss
Gail
Uli Latukefu
Nicky Salapu
Chris Alosio
Jonah
Kaimana
Jaiyah Saelua
David Fane
Ace
Rachel House
Ruth
Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi
Pisa
Semu Filipo
Rambo
Ioane Goodhue
Smiley
Rhys Darby
Rhys Marlin
Angus Sampson
Angus Bendleton
Luke Hemsworth
Keith
Kaitlyn Dever
Nicole
Hio Pelesasa
Samson
David Tu'itupou
Tall David
Levy Tuiala
Chief Sila
Loretta Ables Sayre
Rambo's mother
Frankie Adams
Frangipani
Taika Waititi
American-Samoan priest
Cast
Character
Next Goal Wins Plot
"Next Goal Wins" follows the true story of the American Samoa soccer team's journey to overcome a devastating 31-0 loss to Australia and qualify for the FIFA World Cup. Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen is tasked with the seemingly impossible mission of transforming the team from perpetual losers into winners. The film, co-written and directed by Taika Waititi, presents a unique blend of inspiration and comedy.
The plot revolves around Rongen, played by Michael Fassbender, and his efforts to rebuild the team's spirit. The underdog sports movie template is both embraced and questioned, adding a light-hearted touch to the story. The film introduces real-life character Jaiyah Saelua, a fa'afafine and trailblazer as the first openly non-gender binary player in a FIFA qualifying match. The narrative explores Rongen's redemption arc, interwoven with the challenges faced by the team and the cultural backdrop of American Samoa.
While the film's unconventional style, including fourth-wall-breaking moments and references to sports movie clichés, may be divisive, "Next Goal Wins" ultimately delivers a crowd-pleasing sports narrative with a unique perspective on the resilience of underdog stories.
Next Goal Wins Where to Watch
"Next Goal Wins" is initially available exclusively in theatres, meaning it won't be immediately accessible for streaming. The film's distribution by Searchlight Pictures suggests that it will eventually find its way onto Hulu. However, the specific release date for the film on Hulu remains uncertain, and it's anticipated to be sometime in early 2024.
As the distribution process unfolds, viewers can stay informed by checking for updates on when "Next Goal Wins" will be available for streaming on Hulu. Until then, the movie enthusiasts keen on watching this inspiring sports comedy-drama can catch it in theatres for the full cinematic experience. Keep an eye on this space for the latest information on the film's streaming status and availability on Hulu.
Next Goal Wins Trailer
Is Next Goal Wins Based on a True Story-FAQs
"Next Goal Wins" is a 2023 American biographical sports comedy-drama film directed by Taika Waititi. It follows the true story of Dutch-American coach Thomas Rongen's efforts to lead the American Samoa national football team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Yes, "Next Goal Wins" is based on a true story. It portrays the real-life events of Coach Thomas Rongen's journey with the American Samoa soccer team.
The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10, 2023.
The commercial release date for "Next Goal Wins" was on November 17, 2023.
The film primarily focuses on Coach Rongen's efforts to transform the American Samoa soccer team, considered one of the weakest, into a competitive force.