Michael Fassbender Stars In Taika Waititi’s New Comedy Next Goal Wins
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a new original film from Taika Waititi outside of Marvel, and since Michael Fassbender has had a starring film role since he finished with X-Men. That’s set to change with Watiti’s new film Next Goal Wins, a sports dramedy/biopic co-written by Inbetweeners writer Iain Morris.
Out in UK cinemas from 29th December, Fassbender plays a Dutch-American football coach, Thomas Rongen, who’s tasked with turning the low-ranked American Samoa football team into an elite squad and he’s joined by The Handmaid’s Tale star Elizabeth Moss in the cast.
What is Next Goal Wins about?
Following the success of David Fincher thriller The Killer, Next Goal Wins is based on the true story of coach Thomas Rongen’s attempts to transform the American Samoa team for the 2014 World Cup, told in a 2014 documentary of the same name.
Considered one of the least successful teams in the world, American Samoa infamously lost to Australia 31-0 in 2001 and have struggled ever since. Keen on qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil, they hire Rongen to turn around their fortunes- but it’s an uphill battle. They have an ambitious manager, Tavita (played by Moana’s Oscar Knightley) and key players like goalkeeper Nicky Salapu (Black Adam star Uli Latukefu), but past defeats and funding difficulties mean competing with the best is a tough feat.
Who else stars?
Next Goal Wins certainly looks like it’ll be a lot of fun, as Rongen sets about improving the team despite the many hurdles. Other important characters include Jaiyah Saelua (newcomer Kaimana), the first openly transgender and non-binary person (or fa’afafine in Polynesian society) to compete in the World Cup qualifiers, Elizabeth Moss’ character Gail, and Will Arnett’s character Alex, both of whom encourage Rongen to persevere.
The first trailer for the film, showing Fassbender sporting a grey beard, begins with Rongen being told that he’s been fired from his coaching role in the US, and has only two options: “No job” and “American Samoa”. As he arrives to shape up the dejected American Samoa team, it’s clear that there’s a long road ahead, the trailer ends on a positive note as things seem to be looking up under his guidance.
Is there a release date?
Next Goal Wins is set to also feature Westworld’s Luke Hemsworth in the role of Keith, and Booksmart and Rosaline breakout star Kaitlyn Dever as Nicole, as well as Waititi himself in a cameo role as a priest. It’s slated to arrive in cinemas on 29th December before coming to streaming.