Trans soccer star Jaiyah Saelua on making history, secrets to a 20-year athletic career & getting the Hollywood treatment
A post shared by Jaiyah Saelua (@jaiyahsaelua)A post shared by Jaiyah Saelua (@jaiyahsaelua)Next Goal Wins, which will be released Friday, is a heartwarming comedy that tells the triumphant story of American Samoa’s most unlikely victory.
With Dutch coach Thomas Rongen at the helm, the U.S. territory won its first game everThat’s right: ever!Directed by Academy Award winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), Next Goal Wins first hit theaters as a documentary in 2014.
This upcoming version tells the same inspiring story, except with major Hollywood backing.Michael Fassbender stars as Rongen, the downtrodden soccer coach on his last professional legs.
Several actors of Samoan descent are cast in leading roles, and the cast also includes Elisabeth Moss and Will Arnett. One of those Samoan actors, Kaimana, portrays Saelua in her on-screen debut.
