Three years after it shot, we’ll finally be getting to see Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins in cinemas next year: more here.
The terrific documentary Next Goal Wins debuted all the way back in 2014, telling the story of the Western Samoa national football team, at the time regarded as one of the worst in the world. Directed by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, the film follows their attempt to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and it’s a delightful movie too.
So much so that it was picked up for feature film adaptation several years ago, with Taika Waititi directing. Working from a script that he wrote with Iain Morris, Waititi brought together a cast that includes Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi and Elisabeth Moss, and filming got underway all the way back in November 2019.
There’s been some kerfuffle, with Will Arnett replacing Armie Hammer in reshoots that took place towards the end of 2021. But then it’s been a case of the Disney-owned Searchlight Pictures finding a space for it in its release schedule. Waititi has filmed and released Thor: Love & Thunder since principal photography on Next Goal Wins was completed.
Well, finally we may get to see the film. It’s finally landed on the UK release schedules and it’ll be in cinemas on Friday April 21st 2023. Obviously that date is subject to change, but for the minute, that’s when we can cast our eyes on Next Goal Wins.
In the interim, do seek out the documentary if you can. And as we hear more of Taika Waititi’s version, we’ll let you know.
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