Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Rachel House, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Rhys Darby | Written by Taika Waititi, Iain Morris | Directed by Taika Waititi
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
- 4/10/2024
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
What happens in Vegas… fuels a year’s worth of hope for theatrical exhibitors.
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
From April 8-11, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Universal, Paramount, and Disney — not to mention the faith-friendly Angel Studios and anime distributor Crunchyroll — have four days at CinemaCon to wow theater owners (and the press) with their plans for the summer blockbuster season and beyond. However, there are only so many times that NATO, the MPA, and the studios can say “movie theaters are back!” without sounding like Chicken Little.
The reality is 2024 will be lucky to match the levels of last year, and 2025 has its own challenges if the industry faces another round of strikes. Even so, Adam Aron’s hundreds of soldier-owners from his AMC army will be looking to him for reassurance at the world’s biggest exhibition pep rally.
Beyond the potential shock and awe of movie previews, messaging that could carry firepower as...
- 4/8/2024
- by Tony Maglio and Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Emanating from their studio in Cincinnati, Ohio, The History of Bad Ideas sees hosts Jason, Jeff and Blake talk about all things geeky on their podcast. Whether it’s rumours of the latest comic book movies, debating who really is the worst villain of all time, discussing the latest comic issues or just wondering about life in general, you are sure to have a fun time with them! In theory.
If you haven’t listened to the show before – why not? – you can check out previous episodes of The History of Bad Ideas podcast on iTunes and look out for new episodes here on Nerdly each and every week…
Episode 536: Dunkaroo Doug!
The Hobi Gang welcomes Jason back this week from his vacation and he brings the best soda ever, Butter Soda! The gang pays respect to Louis Gossett Jr., the NFL team with the worst reputation, and we rank sequel films!
If you haven’t listened to the show before – why not? – you can check out previous episodes of The History of Bad Ideas podcast on iTunes and look out for new episodes here on Nerdly each and every week…
Episode 536: Dunkaroo Doug!
The Hobi Gang welcomes Jason back this week from his vacation and he brings the best soda ever, Butter Soda! The gang pays respect to Louis Gossett Jr., the NFL team with the worst reputation, and we rank sequel films!
- 4/4/2024
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
When you think of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you might not think of improvisation as being central to its success. In fact, extemporaneous additions seem like the complete opposite of Kevin Feige's approach to establishing his gargantuan blockbuster franchise. The Marvel Studios head and his cohorts meticulously plan out each so-called "phase" of the MCU, carefully charting a course for their cinematic saga ahead of time.
Recently, however, this approach hasn't worked so well, with Feige and co. bombarding us with Marvel media, ultimately proving that too much of the MCU is essentially the franchise's Kryptonite. But for a long time, the plan was very much working. The Marvel machine was churning out hit after hit, with "Avengers: Endgame" and its record-breaking box office marking the apex of Marvel Studios' success. In that sense, deviating from the plan just doesn't seem to fit with the MCU ethos. But improvisation...
Recently, however, this approach hasn't worked so well, with Feige and co. bombarding us with Marvel media, ultimately proving that too much of the MCU is essentially the franchise's Kryptonite. But for a long time, the plan was very much working. The Marvel machine was churning out hit after hit, with "Avengers: Endgame" and its record-breaking box office marking the apex of Marvel Studios' success. In that sense, deviating from the plan just doesn't seem to fit with the MCU ethos. But improvisation...
- 3/19/2024
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
Drew Afualo does not mess around when it comes to calling out misogynist men on TikTok and is now putting people on notice after she failed to receive an invite to audition for the live-action adaptation of Moana.
The content creator is known to use humor on TikTok and shared a video where she made a case for herself to be given the opportunity to be part of the Disney film.
“I want to talk to you all about something a little confusing,” Afualo said in the video. “So, apparently, there were auditions, like an open casting call, for the live-action Moana.”
Afualo said she heard about the open casting call from her Samoan family. She went on to list films featuring Samoan people like Sione’s Wedding, Once We Were Warriors, and The Legend of Johny Lingo, noting that Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins “has five or six of...
The content creator is known to use humor on TikTok and shared a video where she made a case for herself to be given the opportunity to be part of the Disney film.
“I want to talk to you all about something a little confusing,” Afualo said in the video. “So, apparently, there were auditions, like an open casting call, for the live-action Moana.”
Afualo said she heard about the open casting call from her Samoan family. She went on to list films featuring Samoan people like Sione’s Wedding, Once We Were Warriors, and The Legend of Johny Lingo, noting that Taika Waititi’s Next Goal Wins “has five or six of...
- 3/13/2024
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
For many people, a film like Land of Bad might not have enough to catch the eye. However, personally, almost everything about it made me instantly want to add it to my watchlist: a straightforward, action-driven premise based on a rescue operation; a quite decent cast with Liam (The Hunger Games) and Luke Hemsworth (Next Goal Wins), Russell Crowe (The Nice Guys), Ricky Whittle (The 100), and Milo Ventimiglia (This is Us); and most importantly, it’s directed by William Eubank, who made the overlooked yet loved amongst many of the people who’ve seen it, Underwater.
Land of Bad Critique © The Avenue Also Read: Bob Marley: One Love Review – A Sanitized Homage to Peace, Love and Happiness
With the help of screenwriter David Frigerio (The Signal), Eubank takes the basics of typical war formulas, in this case, focusing on an extraction team going through a mission that, of course,...
Land of Bad Critique © The Avenue Also Read: Bob Marley: One Love Review – A Sanitized Homage to Peace, Love and Happiness
With the help of screenwriter David Frigerio (The Signal), Eubank takes the basics of typical war formulas, in this case, focusing on an extraction team going through a mission that, of course,...
- 2/16/2024
- by Manuel São Bento
- FandomWire
Exclusive: Luke Hemsworth (Westworld) has joined the cast of the Prime Video sequel series The Terminal List: Dark Wolf in a recurring role. He joins the previously announced cast: Taylor Kitsch, Tom Hopper and Chris Pratt.
Hemsworth will portray Jules Landry, a self-obsessed CIA contractor who hides a dangerously volatile personality beneath his muscled veneer.
Co-created by The Terminal List author Jack Carr and Season 1 creator-showrunner David Digilio, the prequel, set five years before the mothership series, is an elevated espionage thriller that takes viewers on Ben Edwards’ journey from Navy Seal to CIA paramilitary operator, exploring the darker side of warfare and the human cost that comes with it. The series focuses on enigmatic Special Operator Ben Edwards, portrayed by Kitsch.
In addition to starring in the series, Kitsch executive produces alongside Pratt through Indivisible Productions, Antoine Fuqua and Kat Samick, through Hill District Media, author Jack Carr, showrunner David Digilio,...
Hemsworth will portray Jules Landry, a self-obsessed CIA contractor who hides a dangerously volatile personality beneath his muscled veneer.
Co-created by The Terminal List author Jack Carr and Season 1 creator-showrunner David Digilio, the prequel, set five years before the mothership series, is an elevated espionage thriller that takes viewers on Ben Edwards’ journey from Navy Seal to CIA paramilitary operator, exploring the darker side of warfare and the human cost that comes with it. The series focuses on enigmatic Special Operator Ben Edwards, portrayed by Kitsch.
In addition to starring in the series, Kitsch executive produces alongside Pratt through Indivisible Productions, Antoine Fuqua and Kat Samick, through Hill District Media, author Jack Carr, showrunner David Digilio,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Once Marvel came calling, Taika Waititi was shot out of his comedy environment and was given the keys to a lot of blockbuster material. While “Akira” never surfaced, and neither has his “Star Wars” project yet, the filmmaker has spent the second half of his career vacillating between big-budget movies (two “Thor” movies for Marvel) and smaller-scale comedic indies. So while Waititi’s last movie, “Next Goal Wins,” was a Searchlight soccer comedy in a smaller vein, it was actually completed ages ago and held by the studio for the right date.
Continue reading Amy Adams & Jenna Ortega To Star In Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara & The Sun’ at The Playlist.
Continue reading Amy Adams & Jenna Ortega To Star In Taika Waititi’s ‘Klara & The Sun’ at The Playlist.
- 2/5/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Clockwise from top left: Infinite Storm (Bleecker Street), Monica (IFC Films), The Abyss (20th Century Fox), Mercy Road (Well Go USA Entertainment)Image: The A.V. Club
For February, Hulu brings home a bunch of under-the-radar indie offerings as well as at least one big-budget movie that has proved elusive on streaming services.
For February, Hulu brings home a bunch of under-the-radar indie offerings as well as at least one big-budget movie that has proved elusive on streaming services.
- 2/2/2024
- by Robert DeSalvo
- avclub.com
Amy Adams will join Jenna Ortega in Taika Waititi’s next film, as the director fills out the cast of Klara And The Sun.
We know that Taika Waititi is tackling Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel for his next film, following on his most recent movie, last winter’s Next Goal Wins.
We also know that Jenna Ortega will star as Klara in the movie, ‘ a robot girl created to prevent teenagers from becoming lonely.’
Now we learn that Amy Adams, it has been confirmed by Deadline, will play the mother of the child who Klara is purchased for.
The casting of Amy Adams brings some real prestige to the project, given that she rightfully seems to be some kind of magnet for Academy Award nominations, having previously snagged six nods from the Academy. Pairing Amy Adams’ pedigree with Jenna Ortega’s popularity seems like a smart move, and we’re...
We know that Taika Waititi is tackling Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2021 novel for his next film, following on his most recent movie, last winter’s Next Goal Wins.
We also know that Jenna Ortega will star as Klara in the movie, ‘ a robot girl created to prevent teenagers from becoming lonely.’
Now we learn that Amy Adams, it has been confirmed by Deadline, will play the mother of the child who Klara is purchased for.
The casting of Amy Adams brings some real prestige to the project, given that she rightfully seems to be some kind of magnet for Academy Award nominations, having previously snagged six nods from the Academy. Pairing Amy Adams’ pedigree with Jenna Ortega’s popularity seems like a smart move, and we’re...
- 2/2/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
With the “big game” only a few weeks away, do you need some movie fuel for your football “fever”? Something brand new, I should say since most gridiron fans probably have their shelves stocked with Any Given Sunday, The Replacements, and Rudy. Well, Amazon has just the thing with a raucous comedy about a ragtag bunch of preteen misfits in peewee football, coached by a guy whose heart is slowly melted by them. Sounds like a variation of last year’s football, er soccer, and adult inspired by real events comedy set in American Samoa, Next Goal Wins. Yes, it’s a tried and true formula, but this flick has a twist in its casting, as the coach is played by rapper Snoop Dogg. He provides the “spark” (if you get my drift) and the inspiration for the movie’s title, The Underdoggs.
The film begins on the field as...
The film begins on the field as...
- 1/26/2024
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Presenting a new look at the highly anticipated film Next Goal Wins which is all set to captivate audiences as it hits theatres across India on 2nd February 2024. Talking about the directorial, Academy Award-winning director Taika Waititi said, “It (Next Goal Wins) always felt very special to me. The ultimate feel-good underdog film.”
Starring an exciting ensemble cast of Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss in pivotal roles.
Next Goal Wins is based on a true story of the American Samoa soccer team, previously known for a historical defeat of 31-0 to the team of Australia in 2001. The film is set to follow the underdog team’s victory in 2014, led by legendary coach Thomas Rongen.
Next Goal Wins is directed by Taika Waititi, produced by Jonathan Cavend, Garrett Basch, Taika Waititi, Mike Brett, and Steve Jamison under the...
Starring an exciting ensemble cast of Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale, Uli Latukefu, Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss in pivotal roles.
Next Goal Wins is based on a true story of the American Samoa soccer team, previously known for a historical defeat of 31-0 to the team of Australia in 2001. The film is set to follow the underdog team’s victory in 2014, led by legendary coach Thomas Rongen.
Next Goal Wins is directed by Taika Waititi, produced by Jonathan Cavend, Garrett Basch, Taika Waititi, Mike Brett, and Steve Jamison under the...
- 1/24/2024
- by Editorial Desk
- GlamSham
The importance of revenue earned by studios from PVOD rentals reasserts itself with news that, as of Tuesday, all but two of the wide films released from either December 22 or December 25 will have home availability. That’s one month or less after their theatrical releases.
Top holiday grosser “Wonka” (Warner Bros.), which opened a week earlier, sleeper rom-com hit “Anyone but You” (Sony), and “The Iron Claw” remain theater-exclusive. Otherwise, the rush for home gold has taken over.
Three of these titles — “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (WB), “Migration” (Universal), and “Ferrari” (Neon) debut on Tuesday. They will join “The Color Purple” (WB) and “The Boys in the Boat” (Amazon MGM), both of which came out last week, 22 days after release.
The results for the week actually showed that four earlier films scored better overall during the week. “Purple” did best at Vudu (#4), but only #8 at Apple TV and #10 at Google Play.
Top holiday grosser “Wonka” (Warner Bros.), which opened a week earlier, sleeper rom-com hit “Anyone but You” (Sony), and “The Iron Claw” remain theater-exclusive. Otherwise, the rush for home gold has taken over.
Three of these titles — “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” (WB), “Migration” (Universal), and “Ferrari” (Neon) debut on Tuesday. They will join “The Color Purple” (WB) and “The Boys in the Boat” (Amazon MGM), both of which came out last week, 22 days after release.
The results for the week actually showed that four earlier films scored better overall during the week. “Purple” did best at Vudu (#4), but only #8 at Apple TV and #10 at Google Play.
- 1/22/2024
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender are set to co-star in a spy thriller!
The film, titled Black Bag, will be directed by Steven Soderbergh, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Further details regarding the films plot have been kept under wraps, however, the outlet noted that Black Bag will be set in the UK.
Furthermore, the script will be written by David Keopp, who has previously worked on titles such as Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Spider-Man.
Cate last appeared on screen in 2023′s The New Boy. Michael‘s most recent project is Taika Waititi‘s Next Goal Wins, which also released in 2023.
If you missed it, Cate Blanchett is set to join forces with Michael‘s wife Alicia Vikander in a new comedy!
Also, Michael Fassbender is attached to star in an upcoming biopic!
The film, titled Black Bag, will be directed by Steven Soderbergh, THR reports.
Keep reading to find out more…
Further details regarding the films plot have been kept under wraps, however, the outlet noted that Black Bag will be set in the UK.
Furthermore, the script will be written by David Keopp, who has previously worked on titles such as Jurassic Park, Mission: Impossible, and Spider-Man.
Cate last appeared on screen in 2023′s The New Boy. Michael‘s most recent project is Taika Waititi‘s Next Goal Wins, which also released in 2023.
If you missed it, Cate Blanchett is set to join forces with Michael‘s wife Alicia Vikander in a new comedy!
Also, Michael Fassbender is attached to star in an upcoming biopic!
- 1/20/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Any other director would have probably made a typical “white savior” story out of the American Samoa football team’s incredible win against Tonga during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers back in 2011, but thanks to both his Indigenous roots and his directorial skill, Taika Waititi has managed to avoid that in Next Goal Wins. However, only someone like Waititi, who has a penchant for telling strange but very powerful “humane” stories, would choose a topic like this. The “white savior” here is football coach Thomas Rongen, who made it happen for the American Samoans. Michael Fassbender plays the part with the utmost earnestness, but Waititi makes sure that the film remains about the Samoan people, the culture, and their achievements. Next Goal Wins does have all the usual sports film clichés, but Taika has infused it with his signature style of humour. The result is not exactly promising like his earlier films,...
- 1/18/2024
- by Rohitavra Majumdar
- Film Fugitives
Hey, did you know that famed filmmaker Taika Waititi had a new movie in theaters last year? There's a good chance you didn't! Because Waititi's latest, the sports comedy "Next Goal Wins," had a very muted release following a series of scathing reviews. It's somewhat shocking to see Waititi flop so hard after seemingly being on top of the filmmaking world just a few years ago. Barry Levitt's /Film review "awarded" the flick a 2 out of 10, and stated that "'Next Goal Wins' feels like it's made by a director out of ideas — it's a film made up of lazy, visually vacant, and soulless filmmaking." Ouch.
In the film, which is based on a true story and a 2014 documentary of the same name, Michael Fassbender (who also appeared in last year's much better "The Killer") plays Dutch American football coach Thomas Rongen, who is sent to help the American Samoa...
In the film, which is based on a true story and a 2014 documentary of the same name, Michael Fassbender (who also appeared in last year's much better "The Killer") plays Dutch American football coach Thomas Rongen, who is sent to help the American Samoa...
- 1/15/2024
- by Chris Evangelista
- Slash Film
At the 2022 Oscars, Sian Heder won Best Adapted Screenplay for “Coda,” her adaptation of the French film “La Famille Bélier.” “Coda” also claimed Best Picture, thereby becoming the fifth remake to win the top Oscar. In 2021 playwright Florian Zeller shared in the Oscar win for Best Adapted Screenplay with Christopher Hampton for bring his stage hit “The Father” to the screen. In his directorial debut Zeller bagged Anthony Hopkins his second Best Actor Oscar. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2024 Oscar predictions for Best Adapted Screenplay.)
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
Screen versions of stage works had won Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars 15 times before. The most recent of these was in 2017 when “Moonlight” director Barry Jenkins and playwright Tarell Alvin McCraney prevailed for adapting the latter’s un-produced play “In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue.” Prior to that you have to go all the way back to 1989 when Alfred Uhry won for adapting...
- 1/11/2024
- by Paul Sheehan and Jacob Sarkisian
- Gold Derby
Gold House and Cape (Coalition of Asian Pacifics) in Entertainment released the fourth annual Gold List, which spotlights outstanding work and talent within the Aapi community over the past 12 months.
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
“The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work — particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Jeremy Tran, executive director and chief operating officer of Gold House, said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production, and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s “Past Lives” leads the list which is voted on by the community’s industry leaders and used to guide voters during awards season. It received a nod for best picture, director and original screenplay for Song and performance in a leading role for Greta Lee. Teo Yoo...
- 1/10/2024
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
After last awards season’s banner haul for artists of Asian descent, Gold House and Cape are hoping the community will strike gold again.
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
The two leading Asian Pacific nonprofits in the entertainment industry have revealed the results of their fourth annual Gold List, which draws attention to the top Api hopefuls in the awards race. “The Gold List was created to ensure awards seasons and mainstream society are up to date on the most worthy creative work – particularly work from communities that have been historically overlooked or excluded,” Gold House executive director and COO Jeremy Tran said in a statement. “Every visible success leads to numerous unseen doors that are opened for new creative development, production and distribution opportunities for these communities.”
Celine Song’s Past Lives tops the Gold List with four selections, plus an honorable mention, while May December’s Charles Melton, The Boy and the Heron...
- 1/10/2024
- by Rebecca Sun
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“The Last of Us” Season 2 has officially cast Kaitlyn Dever, Variety has learned.
Dever joins the hit HBO show in the role of Abby, who is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.”
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Dever’s past TV credits include shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,””Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” On the film side, she has starred in features such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” the last of which she also executive produced.
Dever joins the hit HBO show in the role of Abby, who is described as “a skilled soldier whose black-and-white view of the world is challenged as she seeks vengeance for those she loved.”
“Our casting process for season two has been identical to season one: we look for world-class actors who embody the souls of the characters in the source material,” said series co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. “Nothing matters more than talent, and we’re thrilled to have an acclaimed performer like Kaitlyn join Pedro, Bella and the rest of our family.”
Dever’s past TV credits include shows like “Last Man Standing,” “Justified,””Unbelievable,” and “Dopesick.” On the film side, she has starred in features such as “Booksmart,” “Rosaline,” “Next Goal Wins,” and “No One Will Save You,” the last of which she also executive produced.
- 1/9/2024
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
“The Last of Us” Season 2 has found its Abby.
The fan-favorite character, a conflicted soldier embroiled in conflict between her own post-apocalyptic militia and a religious cult, will be played by Kaitlyn Dever. Production is set to begin in February, with filming on the critically revered and Daytime Emmy-winning show previously postponed due to the since-ended strikes.
In Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us Part II,” released for PlayStation 4 in January 2020, Abby is as much a co-lead of the game as the original’s star, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey in the series). Throughout the game, players alternate between Ellie and Abby’s points of view in fighting off humans infected by Cordyceps as well as their fellow survivors left in the United States. “Part II” takes players from rural Wyoming to a dystopian Seattle.
No spoilers, but the sequel game finds Ellie and Abby on a collision course...
The fan-favorite character, a conflicted soldier embroiled in conflict between her own post-apocalyptic militia and a religious cult, will be played by Kaitlyn Dever. Production is set to begin in February, with filming on the critically revered and Daytime Emmy-winning show previously postponed due to the since-ended strikes.
In Naughty Dog’s “The Last of Us Part II,” released for PlayStation 4 in January 2020, Abby is as much a co-lead of the game as the original’s star, Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey in the series). Throughout the game, players alternate between Ellie and Abby’s points of view in fighting off humans infected by Cordyceps as well as their fellow survivors left in the United States. “Part II” takes players from rural Wyoming to a dystopian Seattle.
No spoilers, but the sequel game finds Ellie and Abby on a collision course...
- 1/9/2024
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
‘Anyone But You’, ‘The Boy And The Heron’ rise up chart; ‘Priscilla’ opens just outside the top five, setting records for Sofia Coppola.
Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (Jan 5-7) Total gross to date Week 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £3.8m £53m 5 2. One Life (Warner Bros) £1.7m £3.3m 1 3. Anyone But You (Sony) £1.1m £3.4m 2 4. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £933,334 £8.2m 3 5. The Boy And The Heron (Elysian) £794,881 £3m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.27
Warner Bros’ Wonka topped the UK-Ireland box office for a fifth consecutive weekend, crossing £53m total and continuing its rise up the all-time chart; while rom-com Anyone But You...
Rank Film (distributor) Three-day gross (Jan 5-7) Total gross to date Week 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £3.8m £53m 5 2. One Life (Warner Bros) £1.7m £3.3m 1 3. Anyone But You (Sony) £1.1m £3.4m 2 4. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £933,334 £8.2m 3 5. The Boy And The Heron (Elysian) £794,881 £3m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.27
Warner Bros’ Wonka topped the UK-Ireland box office for a fifth consecutive weekend, crossing £53m total and continuing its rise up the all-time chart; while rom-com Anyone But You...
- 1/8/2024
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Happy New Year! This week’s film quiz features movies that, according to Rotten Tomatoes, absolutely everybody likes.
Film Quiz Fridays are here again! In weeks to come, we’ve got rounds themed around Jason Statham films, movie musicals, and the Oscars, as well as the usual random movie trivia. But today’s theme is inspired by films like Next Goal Wins – not the Taika Waititi football comedy (read Simon’s 3-star review here) but the 2014 documentary of the same name – which has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Older readers will remember we did a quiz on the 0% club last year, but this time, we’re swinging the other way.
As always, there are three rounds of film trivia in total, and this is all just for fun. Once you’ve completed all 30 questions, you’ll find a link to a separate post with the correct answers at the bottom of this post.
Film Quiz Fridays are here again! In weeks to come, we’ve got rounds themed around Jason Statham films, movie musicals, and the Oscars, as well as the usual random movie trivia. But today’s theme is inspired by films like Next Goal Wins – not the Taika Waititi football comedy (read Simon’s 3-star review here) but the 2014 documentary of the same name – which has a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Older readers will remember we did a quiz on the 0% club last year, but this time, we’re swinging the other way.
As always, there are three rounds of film trivia in total, and this is all just for fun. Once you’ve completed all 30 questions, you’ll find a link to a separate post with the correct answers at the bottom of this post.
- 1/5/2024
- by Mark Harrison
- Film Stories
Taika Waititi's 2023 sports drama/comedy, Next Goal Wins, is inching closer to its online release date in early 2024.
Next Goal Wins is based on a 2014 same-named documentary about a Dutch-American soccer coach who tries to turn around the American Samoa national team - one of the weakest in the world.
Initially debuting at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10 before hitting the United States on November 17, the film featured Michael Fassbender, Rachel House, and Will Arnett amidst an A-list cast of stars.
Read full article on The Direct.
Next Goal Wins is based on a 2014 same-named documentary about a Dutch-American soccer coach who tries to turn around the American Samoa national team - one of the weakest in the world.
Initially debuting at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 10 before hitting the United States on November 17, the film featured Michael Fassbender, Rachel House, and Will Arnett amidst an A-list cast of stars.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 1/5/2024
- by Richard Nebens
- The Direct
‘The Boy And The Heron’ sets new record for Studio Ghibli; ‘Ferrari’ tops £1m.
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £6.6m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £1.7m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2.2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £6.6m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £6.6m figure for Wonka was up 3.7% on the weekend...
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £6.6m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £1.7m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2.2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £6.6m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £6.6m figure for Wonka was up 3.7% on the weekend...
- 1/2/2024
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
‘The Boy And The Heron’ sets new record for Studio Ghibli; ‘Ferrari’ tops £1m.
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £6.6m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £2m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £6.6m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £6.6m figure for Wonka was up 3.7% on the weekend...
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £6.6m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £2m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £6.6m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £6.6m figure for Wonka was up 3.7% on the weekend...
- 1/2/2024
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
‘The Boy And The Heron’ sets new record for Studio Ghibli; ‘Ferrari’ tops £1m.
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £7.9m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £2m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £7.9m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £7.9m figure for Wonka was up 24.2% on its pre-Christmas...
RankFilm (distributor)Three-day gross (Dec 29-31)Total gross to dateWeek 1. Wonka (Warner Bros) £7.9m £45m 4 2. Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom (Warner Bros) £2m £6.3m 2 3. Wish (Disney) £1m £10m 6 4. Ferrari (Black Bear) £1m £2m 1 5. Anyone But You (Sony) £733,416 £1.4m 1
Gbp to Usd conversion rate: 1.26
Wonka recorded an outstanding £7.9m weekend on the final session of the year at the UK-Ireland box office, topping the charts on its fourth session in cinemas and reaching a huge £45m total.
The £7.9m figure for Wonka was up 24.2% on its pre-Christmas...
- 1/2/2024
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” continued its golden run at the U.K. and Ireland box office with £6.6 million ($8.4 million) over the Dec. 29 weekend.
The Timothée Chalamet starrer now has a total of £43.8 million in the territory after four weekends on release.
Black Bear’s “Ferrari,” directed by Michael Mann and starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, raced to a £1.9 million debut in second place. In third position, in its second weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” collected £1.7 million for a total of £5.9 million.
Elysian’s “The Boy And The Heron,” directed by Miyazaki Hayao, bowed with £1.6 million in fourth place. Rounding off the top five was another debut, Sony’s “Anyone But You,” with £1.2 million.
The only other debut in the Top 10 was Disney’s “Next Goal Wins” with £844,604.
Mubi’s “Priscilla,” starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, and Warner Bros.’ “One Life,” starring Anthony Hopkins, both released wide across more than 300 sites each,...
The Timothée Chalamet starrer now has a total of £43.8 million in the territory after four weekends on release.
Black Bear’s “Ferrari,” directed by Michael Mann and starring Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, raced to a £1.9 million debut in second place. In third position, in its second weekend, Warner Bros.’ “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” collected £1.7 million for a total of £5.9 million.
Elysian’s “The Boy And The Heron,” directed by Miyazaki Hayao, bowed with £1.6 million in fourth place. Rounding off the top five was another debut, Sony’s “Anyone But You,” with £1.2 million.
The only other debut in the Top 10 was Disney’s “Next Goal Wins” with £844,604.
Mubi’s “Priscilla,” starring Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi, and Warner Bros.’ “One Life,” starring Anthony Hopkins, both released wide across more than 300 sites each,...
- 1/2/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
To celebrate the release of Next Goal Wins, the latest comedy from Taika Waititi, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the cast and filmmaker to find out more about this festive football treat.
Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins follows Dutch American football coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) who faces the option of being fired or accepting an almost impossible task: to convert the American Samoa national team, considered one of the weakest football teams in the world, into an elite squad.
Chatting to Fassbender, Kaimana (who played Jaiyah), Waititi and Jaiyah Saelua, the real-life American Samoa player and FIFA ambassador, we chat about the lure of the story, challenges of bringing the beautiful game to life on the big-screen, inspirations and aspirations, showcasing a different side to football and highlighting the tremendous work done to change the nature of it, football knowledge,...
Based on the 2014 documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins follows Dutch American football coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) who faces the option of being fired or accepting an almost impossible task: to convert the American Samoa national team, considered one of the weakest football teams in the world, into an elite squad.
Chatting to Fassbender, Kaimana (who played Jaiyah), Waititi and Jaiyah Saelua, the real-life American Samoa player and FIFA ambassador, we chat about the lure of the story, challenges of bringing the beautiful game to life on the big-screen, inspirations and aspirations, showcasing a different side to football and highlighting the tremendous work done to change the nature of it, football knowledge,...
- 12/25/2023
- by Scott Davis
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to …watch another sports-themed movie! Sheesh and people whine about a “glut” of superhero flicks! So far this year we’ve got four or five “sports flicks”, the latest being the soccer comedy Next Goal Wins. Now that’s based on a true story, like most of the others. Oh, and two more true sports films finish out the year on Christmas Day. So, what sets this weekend’s release apart from the others? Well, it’s set in the world of professional wrestling in the “go-go” 1980s. Hmm, sounds like lots of campy, flashy fun. And you’d be a bit mistaken. Mind you, there are chuckles but this true tale is really a tragedy, close in spirit to a Greek one or even Shakespeare, but with spandex and mullets. In the center ring…a fable of a wrestling family dynasty whose patriarch gained...
- 12/22/2023
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
What We Do In The Shadows will end with its upcoming season 6, it’s been announced: more on the news here.
What We Do In The Shadows began life as a feature film in 2014, written and directed by Flight Of The Concords star Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The latter of those two has gone on to direct Jojo Rabbit and has become a creative force in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directing Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, infusing the franchise with his signature humorous approach (even if he took the job to keep food on the table.)
What We Do In The Shadows inspired two television series. The first was Wellington Paranormal, which began in 2016 and followed police officers Minogue and O’Leary, played by Mike Minogue and Karen O’Leary respectively, who were minor characters in the film. It ran for four seasons from 2018 to 2022.
The television version...
What We Do In The Shadows began life as a feature film in 2014, written and directed by Flight Of The Concords star Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi. The latter of those two has gone on to direct Jojo Rabbit and has become a creative force in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, directing Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder, infusing the franchise with his signature humorous approach (even if he took the job to keep food on the table.)
What We Do In The Shadows inspired two television series. The first was Wellington Paranormal, which began in 2016 and followed police officers Minogue and O’Leary, played by Mike Minogue and Karen O’Leary respectively, who were minor characters in the film. It ran for four seasons from 2018 to 2022.
The television version...
- 12/21/2023
- by Jake Godfrey
- Film Stories
Waititi has made some strange casting decisions in his amiable comedy about the real-life travails of the American Samoa team and hothead coach Thomas Rongen
In 2001, the American Samoa football team achieved hideous immortality by sustaining a world-historically awful defeat, going down 31-0 to Australia. Ten years of hurt followed with no appreciable improvement, and then the team hired a foreign coach with his own issues: the troubled and hot-tempered Dutch-American Thomas Rongen whose unofficial brief was to salvage American Samoan honour with a single goal.
Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary about all this, Next Goal Wins, is a much-loved heartwarmer. Maybe it needed a fiction-feature comedy remake and maybe it didn’t. But director Taika Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris have done one anyway, and the result, though necessarily sacrificing the stranger-than-fiction value of the documentary, is broad, affectionate and often funny in a goofy way. But...
In 2001, the American Samoa football team achieved hideous immortality by sustaining a world-historically awful defeat, going down 31-0 to Australia. Ten years of hurt followed with no appreciable improvement, and then the team hired a foreign coach with his own issues: the troubled and hot-tempered Dutch-American Thomas Rongen whose unofficial brief was to salvage American Samoan honour with a single goal.
Mike Brett and Steve Jamison’s 2014 documentary about all this, Next Goal Wins, is a much-loved heartwarmer. Maybe it needed a fiction-feature comedy remake and maybe it didn’t. But director Taika Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris have done one anyway, and the result, though necessarily sacrificing the stranger-than-fiction value of the documentary, is broad, affectionate and often funny in a goofy way. But...
- 12/20/2023
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” enjoyed a barnstorming second weekend at the U.K. and Ireland box office with £6.3 million ($8.09 million), according to numbers released by Comscore.
After two weekends at the top, the Timothée Chalamet starrer now has a mighty total of £18.4 million. In the process, the film staved off the challenge of Anime Ltd’s “Godzilla Minus One,” which debuted in second place with £816,891. That total was enough to make “Godzilla Minus One” the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film in U.K. and Ireland box office history.
In third place, in its fifth weekend, Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” collected £612,656 for a total of £15.8 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “Wish” earned £587,619 for a total of £6.6 million. Rounding off the top five was Sony’s “Napoleon” with £499,388 in its fourth weekend for a total of £12.4 million.
Warner Bros.’ “Saltburn” continued displaying...
After two weekends at the top, the Timothée Chalamet starrer now has a mighty total of £18.4 million. In the process, the film staved off the challenge of Anime Ltd’s “Godzilla Minus One,” which debuted in second place with £816,891. That total was enough to make “Godzilla Minus One” the highest-grossing Japanese live-action film in U.K. and Ireland box office history.
In third place, in its fifth weekend, Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds And Snakes” collected £612,656 for a total of £15.8 million.
In fourth place, in its fourth weekend, Disney’s “Wish” earned £587,619 for a total of £6.6 million. Rounding off the top five was Sony’s “Napoleon” with £499,388 in its fourth weekend for a total of £12.4 million.
Warner Bros.’ “Saltburn” continued displaying...
- 12/19/2023
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kaimana, Rachel House, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Rhys Darby | Written by Taika Waititi, Iain Morris | Directed by Taika Waititi
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
Released in 2014, Next Goal Wins was a phenomenal documentary from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison which followed the American Samoa football team as they attempted to persevere following a historic 31-0 loss to Australia. Much in the vein of Grey Gardens, Man On Wire, and Marwencol, the acclaimed documentary has been dramatised into a feature film, this time by Taika Waititi and The Inbetweeners co-creator Iain Morris.
Next Goal Wins focuses on Dutch American coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), whose only option to evade being fired is to coach the American Samoa team. As he arrives with a bad attitude and a drinking problem, it soon dawns on Thomas that he may be able...
- 12/19/2023
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
In 2023, there are few actors as well known as Michael Fassbender. And this year proved how versatile he is as a performer, with polar opposite roles in films “The Killer” and “Next Goal Wins.” So, with that knowledge, it’s interesting to hear him talk about his beginnings in Hollywood and how unlikely it was for him to end up where he is today.
Continue reading Micheal Fassbender Says He Lost The Lead Role In ‘Pearl Harbor’ To Ben Affleck But Got ‘Band Of Brothers’ Instead at The Playlist.
Continue reading Micheal Fassbender Says He Lost The Lead Role In ‘Pearl Harbor’ To Ben Affleck But Got ‘Band Of Brothers’ Instead at The Playlist.
- 12/13/2023
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Rating:
Star Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale , Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo
Director: Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Out ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
What’s Good: While the film falls short in various aspects, non-binary actor Kaimana’s portrayal of Jaiaya, a transgender center forward, stands out with compelling scenes and effective chemistry with Fassbender. The film’s rooting interest in the big finale, particularly for Jaiaya, adds some emotional engagement. Michael Fassbender shines briefly in the face of adversity, showcasing his acting prowess.
What’s Bad: The film is criticized for being poorly crafted and notably unfunny, attempting to narrate an intriguing story in an unengaging manner. The exaggerated cartoonish comedic elements clash with Fassbender’s stoic seriousness, diluting the film’s sincerity. The lack of individual development...
Star Cast: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House, Beulah Koale , Will Arnett, Elisabeth Moss, Uli Latukefu, Chris Alosio, Lehi Makisi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo
Director: Taika Waititi
Next Goal Wins Movie Review Out ( Photo Credit – IMDb )
What’s Good: While the film falls short in various aspects, non-binary actor Kaimana’s portrayal of Jaiaya, a transgender center forward, stands out with compelling scenes and effective chemistry with Fassbender. The film’s rooting interest in the big finale, particularly for Jaiaya, adds some emotional engagement. Michael Fassbender shines briefly in the face of adversity, showcasing his acting prowess.
What’s Bad: The film is criticized for being poorly crafted and notably unfunny, attempting to narrate an intriguing story in an unengaging manner. The exaggerated cartoonish comedic elements clash with Fassbender’s stoic seriousness, diluting the film’s sincerity. The lack of individual development...
- 12/11/2023
- by Hari P N
- KoiMoi
With the Taika Waititi-directed feature-film version of this story coming to cinemas soon, here’s our review of the original 2014 documentary of the same name, Next Goal Wins from directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison.
In 2001, American Samoa made history by receiving what was then the worst loss in football history during a qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After losing 31-0 to Australia, American Samoa were dubbed the World’s Worst Team and were dogged by defeat ever since. While many would have used such demoralizing news to poke fun at the team, directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison crafted a documentary to celebrate instead how the team continues to play despite such defeats.
At the time, Football was a relatively new sport to American Samoa which was getting bigger. As such, the team contained no professional footballers and relied on the players to partake for free,...
In 2001, American Samoa made history by receiving what was then the worst loss in football history during a qualifying match for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After losing 31-0 to Australia, American Samoa were dubbed the World’s Worst Team and were dogged by defeat ever since. While many would have used such demoralizing news to poke fun at the team, directors Mike Brett and Steve Jamison crafted a documentary to celebrate instead how the team continues to play despite such defeats.
At the time, Football was a relatively new sport to American Samoa which was getting bigger. As such, the team contained no professional footballers and relied on the players to partake for free,...
- 12/6/2023
- by James Rodrigues
- Nerdly
Michael Fassbender has taken a long break from movies, seemingly enjoying fatherhood, marriage, and racing at Le Mans. But the actor does have two films in theaters now (or one on streaming anyhow), Taika Waiti’s “Next Goal Wins” (read our review) and David Fincher’s “The Killer” (read our review). In a new Happy Sad Confused podcast conversation, Fassbender discussed both these projects, his time on the “X-Men” franchise, the “Alien”/Prometheus” franchise, and much more.
Continue reading Michael Fassbender Admits He Had Early ‘Star Wars’ Talks But Not For Kylo Ren; Says X-Men Was A “Great Run” at The Playlist.
Continue reading Michael Fassbender Admits He Had Early ‘Star Wars’ Talks But Not For Kylo Ren; Says X-Men Was A “Great Run” at The Playlist.
- 11/30/2023
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Taika Waititi has revealed that he initially had “no interest” in directing 2017’s Thor: Ragnarok for Marvel.
On Monday’s episode of the Smartless podcast, with hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, the filmmaker opened up about how he ended up helming two Thor movies, including 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder, for the superhero franchise.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.’”
He added, “And Thor, let’s face it — it was probably like the least popular franchise. I never read Thor comics when I was a kid. That was the comic I’d pick up and be like, ‘Ugh.
On Monday’s episode of the Smartless podcast, with hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, the filmmaker opened up about how he ended up helming two Thor movies, including 2022’s Thor: Love and Thunder, for the superhero franchise.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.’”
He added, “And Thor, let’s face it — it was probably like the least popular franchise. I never read Thor comics when I was a kid. That was the comic I’d pick up and be like, ‘Ugh.
- 11/29/2023
- by Carly Thomas
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Taika Waititi might not be down for the count, but he's definitely been in a slump lately. Since taking home an Oscar for his efforts on his polarizing WWII dramedy "Jojo Rabbit" (a film I'm willing to go to bat for), the multi-hyphenate got a middling, bordering on hostile response to his return to the "Thor" movies with "Thor: Love and Thunder" (a film I'm ... less willing to go to bat for) and an even harsher reaction to his true story sports comedy "Next Goal Wins". Recently, Waititi admitted to The Hollywood Reporter he's been feeling "a bit fatigued by working on those big films, studio films," which is why he plans to cleanse his palate by working on something smaller next.
However, when he finally does return to the big-budget arena, he might just take a crack at one of the biggest franchises out there -- "Star Wars." Waititi...
However, when he finally does return to the big-budget arena, he might just take a crack at one of the biggest franchises out there -- "Star Wars." Waititi...
- 11/28/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Taika Waititi’s early career in small comedies included some acclaimed but slightly obscure titles with his involvement in HBO’s Flight of the Conchords and features such as What We Do in the Shadows and The Hunt for the Wilderpeople. The writer/director certainly had a distinct voice and that voice was an unlikely choice for a big-budget Marvel Studios film. The success of Thor: Ragnarok and his additional appearances as Korg helped Waititi accumulate clout so that he can go on to make his more passionate projects like Jojo Rabbit and the recent soccer comedy, Next Goal Wins, which stars Michael Fassbender.
IndieWire reports that Waititi sat down with the hosts of the Smartless podcast, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, where he revealed that he didn’t plan to direct a movie like Thor: Ragnarok for his filmmaking career and he really took the project because he was poor.
IndieWire reports that Waititi sat down with the hosts of the Smartless podcast, Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett, where he revealed that he didn’t plan to direct a movie like Thor: Ragnarok for his filmmaking career and he really took the project because he was poor.
- 11/27/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Taika Waititi is admitting that he had “no interest” in joining the MCU before directing “Thor: Ragnarok.”
The “Next Goal Wins” helmer said during the “Smartless” podcast that he only accepted writing a “Thor” Marvel project because he was “poor” and needed to feed his two children. In short, Marvel wasn’t part of Oscar-winning “Jojo Rabbit” director Waitit’s “plan” to be viewed as an auteur.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.'”
He continued, “And ‘Thor,’ let’s face it — it was probably the least popular franchise. I never read ‘Thor’ comics as a kid. That was the comic...
The “Next Goal Wins” helmer said during the “Smartless” podcast that he only accepted writing a “Thor” Marvel project because he was “poor” and needed to feed his two children. In short, Marvel wasn’t part of Oscar-winning “Jojo Rabbit” director Waitit’s “plan” to be viewed as an auteur.
“You know what? I had no interest in doing one of those films,” Waititi said. “It wasn’t on my plan for my career as an auteur. But I was poor and I’d just had a second child, and I thought, ‘You know what, this would be a great opportunity to feed these children.'”
He continued, “And ‘Thor,’ let’s face it — it was probably the least popular franchise. I never read ‘Thor’ comics as a kid. That was the comic...
- 11/27/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Toronto, Ontario – September 10: Taika Waititi attends the “Next Goal Wins” Premiere during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival at Princess of Wales Theatre on September 10, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) When Taika Waititi saw the documentary version of Next Goal Wins, about the American Samoa soccer team’s quest to qualify for the World Cup, he knew he wanted to make a dramatized version of the story as a film. As Waititi, who directed and co-wrote the new Next Goal Wins, said he saw something in the story that he felt the world needed more of these days: hope.(Click on the media bar below to hear Taika Waititi) https://www.hollywoodoutbreak.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Taika_Waititi_next_Goal_Wins_.mp3 Next Goal Wins is now playing in theaters.
The post Taika Waititi’s Goal With ‘Goal’: Spread Hope appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
The post Taika Waititi’s Goal With ‘Goal’: Spread Hope appeared first on Hollywood Outbreak.
- 11/24/2023
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Taika Waititi has talked about the tone he wants to strike in his long-gestating Star Wars project, saying he wants it to capture the “joy and entertainment” of The Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi.
Among the numerous Star Wars projects announced during Disney’s Investor Day in 2020, one of the biggest was an untitled film written and directed by Taika Waititi.
Three years on, that film doesn’t appear to have moved along all that much, not least because Waititi’s had other projects on the boil, including Thor: Love And Thunder and his football comedy-drama, Next Goal Wins, which is finally out in UK cinemas on 29th December after assorted delays.
During an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show (as spotted by IGN), Waititi talked briefly about his Star Wars project – and the most interesting morsel to come from it is the kind of tone he’s hoping to strike.
Among the numerous Star Wars projects announced during Disney’s Investor Day in 2020, one of the biggest was an untitled film written and directed by Taika Waititi.
Three years on, that film doesn’t appear to have moved along all that much, not least because Waititi’s had other projects on the boil, including Thor: Love And Thunder and his football comedy-drama, Next Goal Wins, which is finally out in UK cinemas on 29th December after assorted delays.
During an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show (as spotted by IGN), Waititi talked briefly about his Star Wars project – and the most interesting morsel to come from it is the kind of tone he’s hoping to strike.
- 11/24/2023
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
Exclusive: Teresa Palmer, Miranda Richardson and Danielle Macdonald and a host of other names have joined Nicole Kidman’s light-hearted Australian drama series The Last Anniversary.
The Foxtel drama for Aussie streamer Binge has gone into production in Sydney with Helen Thomson, Susan Prior, Claude Scott-Mitchell, Charlie Garber, Uli Latukefu and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor also attached to appear.
Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, The Last Anniversary is billed as “a wickedly funny, heartfelt dramedy wrapped in a gripping mystery about family, motherhood and the women who define the generations that come after them.”
Set on the mysterious Scribbly Gum Island, where a young couple disappeared decades before,...
The Foxtel drama for Aussie streamer Binge has gone into production in Sydney with Helen Thomson, Susan Prior, Claude Scott-Mitchell, Charlie Garber, Uli Latukefu and Jeremy Lindsay Taylor also attached to appear.
Based on Liane Moriarty’s bestselling novel, The Last Anniversary is billed as “a wickedly funny, heartfelt dramedy wrapped in a gripping mystery about family, motherhood and the women who define the generations that come after them.”
Set on the mysterious Scribbly Gum Island, where a young couple disappeared decades before,...
- 11/24/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
"Next Goal Wins" stumbled out of the gate in its opening weekend at the box office, which is unfortunate news for director Taika Waititi. After last year's disappointing "Thor: Love and Thunder," I was hoping his football/soccer-themed comedy would feel like a return to the types of smaller, more personal movies he made earlier in his career. Sadly, the film is a total misfire. I didn't laugh a single time, and it explores its story of a team overcoming adversity through the myopic lens of its white coach, played by Michael Fassbender. There are a couple of nods to what the game means to the players and the culture of American Samoa, but the film is frustratingly committed to seeing most of the action through the eyes of Fassbender's Thomas Rongen, and basically congratulating him for eventually learning to tolerate the existence of trans people.
The movie is clearly...
The movie is clearly...
- 11/20/2023
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
The situation with "The Marvels" has gone from bad to record-breaking levels of bad. The latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe opened last weekend to a pretty underwhelming $46.1 million, which represented the smallest opening weekend for any film in the franchise to date. Unfortunately, word of mouth has been shockingly unhelpful for the sequel to 2019's "Captain Marvel" as the film utterly collapsed at the box office in its second weekend, in the process securing a record no comic book movie wants to own.
In its second frame, director Nia DaCosta's "The Marvels" took in just $10.2 million domestically, representing a whopping 78% drop compared to its already rough opening weekend (per The Numbers). That placed it at number four on the charts behind Eli Roth's "Thanksgiving" ($10.3 million), "Trolls Band Together" ($30.6 million), and "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" ($44 million). To that end, it didn't help that all of those movies,...
In its second frame, director Nia DaCosta's "The Marvels" took in just $10.2 million domestically, representing a whopping 78% drop compared to its already rough opening weekend (per The Numbers). That placed it at number four on the charts behind Eli Roth's "Thanksgiving" ($10.3 million), "Trolls Band Together" ($30.6 million), and "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" ($44 million). To that end, it didn't help that all of those movies,...
- 11/20/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Director Taika Waititi's adaptation of one of the greatest underdog stories in sports is heading for a box office tally that resembles "rags" more than "riches." Maybe the only good news (if you can call it that) is that 2023 has already seen so many high-profile under-performers, from "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" to "Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania" to "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" to "The Flash" and even "Mission: Impossible -- Dead Reckoning." Premiering on a weekend that featured the debut of "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" and a crowded field of movies jockeying for position, the relatively low-budget "Next Goal Wins" and its thud of an opening weekend has flown largely under the radar.
Of course, that's likely one of the biggest reasons why the latest Waititi film failed to gain much traction. In their latest box office report, Variety notes...
Of course, that's likely one of the biggest reasons why the latest Waititi film failed to gain much traction. In their latest box office report, Variety notes...
- 11/20/2023
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film
Lionsgate was looking to revive one of its biggest franchises ever as "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes" hit theaters over the weekend. While the studio will probably get to call this one a win when all's said and done, it's not going to be a party like it was in 2012 when the first film became an unexpected global smash. Instead, the studio is going to have to settle for a one-and-done prequel that will turn a relatively modest profit. Still a win, but not a home run worthy of reigniting the series beyond this film.
"Songbirds & Snakes" debuted atop the box office charts over the weekend with an estimated $44 million domestic haul, per The Numbers. That was, admittedly, on the lower end of projections but it was more than enough to best the steep competition. "Trolls Band Together" ($30.6 million), Eli Roth's slasher "Thanksgiving" ($10.3 million), and...
"Songbirds & Snakes" debuted atop the box office charts over the weekend with an estimated $44 million domestic haul, per The Numbers. That was, admittedly, on the lower end of projections but it was more than enough to best the steep competition. "Trolls Band Together" ($30.6 million), Eli Roth's slasher "Thanksgiving" ($10.3 million), and...
- 11/20/2023
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
Taika Waititi’s newest film, Next Goal Wins, is a step back into the smaller film market for the New Zealander. While the director of What We Do in the Shadows struck a big cord that got him the opportunity to jump on the Marvel Studios train, throughout the explosion in his career, he maintained that he would still keep one foot in the indie world. Waititi’s last effort with Marvel, Thor: Love and Thunder, was a divisive entry and he would recently reveal that his time with the Asgardian would take a hiatus.
The eccentric comedy director recently said he would not have involvement with Thor 5, but this does not mean he would cut ties with the House of Mouse altogether. He is slated to helm a Star Wars movie that he jokes will piss people off. And, though Waititi is stepping down from the Thor franchise, Cbr...
The eccentric comedy director recently said he would not have involvement with Thor 5, but this does not mean he would cut ties with the House of Mouse altogether. He is slated to helm a Star Wars movie that he jokes will piss people off. And, though Waititi is stepping down from the Thor franchise, Cbr...
- 11/20/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
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