Next Goal Wins is a homecoming of sorts for Taika Waititi. The Thor: Love and Thunder director honed his craft in low-budget character comedies like Boy and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. So after more than half a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he was itching to get back to something smaller.
“That’s the place I developed what I do, is doing these small films,” Waititi tells Inverse. “[It was] a 25-day shoot on this one, which is the same as my first four movies. Eagle vs Shark, Boy, What We Do in the Shadows, and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, all 25 days. I just felt very comfortable in this world.”
A classic underdog story, Next Goal Wins is based on the 2014 documentary of the same name. Searchlight Pictures
Based on the 2014 documentary by Brett and Steve Jamison, Next Goal Wins tells the story of the American Samoa national football team who suffered a devastatingly humiliating 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001 and never recovered. Hope appears to come in the form of Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), an ill-tempered Dutch-American coach forced to take on the impossible task of whipping “the worst football team in the world” into shape in time for the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
It’s a classic inspirational underdog story, one that was begging for the Hollywood treatment, and casting Michael Fassbender as Thomas Rongen felt like an obvious choice. The actor has a talent for playing many real-life figures, even nabbing an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Steve Jobs. But Next Goal Wins was actually wholly new territory for Fassbender: it was a comedy.
“I was speaking to Taika early on. I was starting to work on my Dutch accent and we decided we wouldn’t go there because people would be like, what sort of accent is that?” Fassbender tells Inverse. So Fassbender ditched the accent work and got started on the comedy instead. “We’re doing a lot of stuff improvisationally, and having the freedom within that style of filmmaking that you wouldn’t get caught up in sort of an accent exercise.”
Taika Waititi, Michael Fassbender, and Kaimana Solai filming Next Goal Wins. Searchlight Pictures
The majority of Next Goal Wins is improvised, Waititi reveals. Not just entire scenes, but whole subplots would be improvised on the fly. One such subplot, a montage in which Thomas and football player Jaiyah Saelua (Kaimana Solai) attempt to recruit retired players back to the American Samoa football team, essentially came together halfway through the shoot when Fassbender spotted a kid, Armand, who had been hanging around the set and suggested he be put in the film. Waititi wrote him into the film, which would frequently change and shift during the shooting process.
“Iain Morris and I wrote a script and felt really good about the shape of that story,” Waititi says. “But I didn’t want to be so rigid and be so controlled by the script. I wanted to be very open-minded with the filming.”
He adds, “We allowed a lot of improvising, a lot of new ideas, came up with ideas in the moment at a location, we’d be at a location and go, You know what? We should get him doing The Karate Kid kicks on that rock over there.”
Michael Fassbender tapped into his comedy side for Next Goal Wins. Searchlight Pictures
It was a new experience for Fassbender, who had primarily worked in serious dramas, intense action flicks, or prestigious period films. But Next Goal Wins, coupled with his surprisingly goofy performance in David Fincher’s recent hitman thriller, has Fassbender stretching his comedic muscles in a way that gave him a new appreciation for the genre.
“I did a film with Terrence Malick in 2012, and the way we shot this reminded me a lot of that improvisation, just going for it,” Fassbender says. “But I love comedy as a way to tap into human stories as well. If you can make people laugh, it disarms them for something that then is going to be maybe a little deeper. It’s that mix that I think Taika does so well.”
Waititi plays to his strengths with Next Goal Wins, a movie that is not just a low-budget character comedy like his beloved early films, but is set in the New Zealander’s own territory.
“It was just nice to see a really cool, hopeful story set in the Pacific with Pacific Islanders in it,” Waititi says. “So that’s what really drew me to it, was being able to make something in our backyard.”
Addressing the Criticisms Over Next Goal Wins’ Trans Storyline
Jaiyah becomes the beating heart of Next Goal Wins, and also the film’s greatest source of controversy. Searchlight Pictures
Next Goal Wins puts the spotlight on a culture rarely seen in major Hollywood films. While American Samoa is an unincorporated territory of the United States, Indigenous Samoans are the majority of the population on the group of islands, and their unique cultural practices take the forefront in Next Goal Wins. These practices — including a daily prayer time that frequently interrupts football drills — result in a culture clash with Fassbender’s Thomas Rongen and feed into the central conflict of the film. A large part of this revolves around Solai’s Jaiyah, who identifies as faʻafafine, a third gender seen as an integral part of Samoan culture. It’s this element that earned Next Goal Wins some criticism over its depiction of transgender characters — criticism which Solai, who is herself faʻafafine, does not agree with.
“At the end of the day, I think the story itself is truly representative of actual real-life experiences for trans people,” Solai tells Inverse. “Everyone’s experience is going to be different. I think as a fa’afafine, your experience is going to be a little bit different as a trans individual versus someone who is rooted in the western world and the western world only.”
“Everyone’s valid in their perspectives, depending where they’re coming from,” she adds, “and at the end of the day, I’m really proud of this film.”
Kaimana Solai is proud of the film’s trans representation. Searchlight Pictures
And what of the perspective of Jaiyah Saelua, the fa’afafine player that Solai is playing, who made history as the first openly non-binary and trans woman to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier?
“My story in the documentary was one of many stories that made the doc flow, but Kaimana’s pretty much put into a spotlight in Taika’s film,” Saelua tells Inverse. “And the realities that she faces as a trans woman and the things that she goes through as a Samoan fa’afafine are all portrayed so beautifully in the film.”
The criticisms of the trans storyline in Next Goal Wins mostly called the treatment too “flippant” or glib. Waititi, for his part, knows his reputation for taking a joke too far. While Next Goal Wins has mostly left critics unimpressed over the film’s humor, Waititi stresses that this was the only way he could’ve adapted a classic real-life underdog story such as this.
“I was respectful of everything that happened,” Waititi says. “But I need to embellish it with my style, and my tone, my sensibility, and put ridiculous characters in there.”
Taika Waititi on the set of Next Goal Wins. Searchlight Pictures
And yes, Waititi couldn’t resist playing one of those ridiculous characters himself — showing up in a minor role as a priest who narrates the story of the American Samoa football team. Is that priest the same one as the one he plays in Hunt for the Wilderpeople? Maybe.
“That’s the priest’s relation. Or it’s the same priest from Hunt for the Wilderpeople,” Waititi says, before admitting, “Well, I can only do one priest voice.”
Next Goal Wins is playing in theaters now.
7 Years Later, Taika Waititi Reveals Why He Went Back to His Cinematic Roots
1 COMMENT
LEAVE A REPLY
- Advertisment - 
Recent Comments
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on “Bro Is Jogging”: Resurfaced Video of Usain Bolt’s 9.84 Seconds Run, Leaves Sports World in Denial
on Braun Strowman Reportedly Set for WWE Return Abroad on Promotional Tour After 6 Months Out Injured
on Brad Keselowski Feels NASCAR Could Welcome New Manufacturer Soon Amid Martin Truex Jr’s Engine Tests
on Boise State vs. Nevada live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on Best places to travel in 2023: National Geographic unveils list of top 25 destinations for next year
on Ask Amy: Should I keep my RSVP simple and just gracefully decline or say I can’t afford the trip?
on As more abortion bans occur, many patients must travel hundreds of miles for care – or be stranded
on Air Force vs. Utah State live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on A missile fired by Houthis strikes a US-owned vessel off Yemen in the Gulf of Aden, raising tensions
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on $12M Worth Dawn Staley Sports Pricey Jordans While Witnessing Joel Embiid’s Suffering Against Knicks
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on Lamar Jackson: NFC side tipped to be ‘overwhelming’ Super Bowl favourites if they signed Ravens QB
on ICC T20 World Cup 2022: “Love Cricket At All Levels, I’ll Watch Any Cricket, And Love Going There”
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Following Exchange With Caitlin Clark At News Conference, Columnist Won’t Cover Indiana Fever Games
on Inside Out Mini Jawbreaker Puzzle Game from Disney Cruise Line Now Available at Walt Disney World
on Katherine Paprocka allegedly embezzled nearly $600k from school for family vacations, IVF treatment
on Johnny Knoxville Talks Jackass Stunts And How They Compare To Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible Work
on Napoli owner admits he ‘knew’ Victor Osimhen would end up at ‘Real Madrid, PSG or one English club’
on Camilla Parker Bowles Revealed the ‘Nicest Thing’ She and Prince Charles Do When They Travel Is Free
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on Can Tom Cruise Save The Box Office Again With Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning? An Investigation
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on College basketball rankings: Kansas helps Big 12 lead conference race for most Top 100 And 1 players
on Inside Floyd Mayweather’s Lavish Lifestyle: A Look at His Stunning Car Collection and Private Jet
on Cruise guest gets stuck on ‘claustrophobic’ water slide suspended over ocean: ‘That is super scary’
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Big Tech companies will cover travel expenses for employees’ medical procedures, including abortion
on Russian cruise and ballistic missiles kill 4 in Ukraine and Ukrainian rockets kill 2 in Russian city
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
on GameFly Sale Offering Nintendo Switch Sports at a Mind-Blowing Price, Don’t Miss the Opportunity!
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on Iowa State starting RB Jirehl Brock among latest college football players charged in gambling probe
on The Rev. Al Sharpton to lead protest after Florida governor’s ban of African American studies course
on Sports World Hails ‘Superwoman’ Lindsey Vonn for Her Grand Comeback Despite Career-Changing Injury
on San Mateo County Community College District sues five companies over role in ‘pay to play’ scandal
on Saipan, placid island setting for Assange’s last battle, is briefly mobbed – and bemused by the fuss
on ‘Pokémon Scarlet’ and ‘Violet’ Fan Theories Suggest Legendary Time Travel, Alternate Dimension Plot
on Joe Manchin and Tommy Tuberville introduce bill on name, image and likeness rules for college sports
on Inside the Michael Jordan ‘Air’ movie, plus why NFL, others are buying into the sports film industry
on If you’re a frequent traveler, these wrap tops from Aday will revolutionize your on-the-go wardrobe
on How Does Jack Nicklaus Travel? Exploring the Private Jets Owned by the ‘Golden Bear’ Over the Years
on Hollywood Reporter: Tom Cruise negotiated with movie studios over AI before the actors strike began
on Ford Blue Cruise: US regulators investigate fatal crashes involving hands-free driving technology
on Dozens of boats cruise the Seine in a rehearsal for the Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony on July 26
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on David and Victoria Beckham so ‘Charmed’ by Tom Cruise They Have His Photos on Display at Their Home
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Boise State vs. Air Force live stream, odds, channel, prediction, how to watch on CBS Sports Network
on Biden to tout bill’s prescription drug prices, energy provisions in pitch to Americans, aide says
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports announces Matt Ryan will join NFL studio show. Longtime analysts Simms and Esiason depart
on Carlos Sainz’s Soccer Fanboy Emerges as Spaniard Shares Defining Moment With This Real Madrid Legend
on Biden: ‘At this point I’m not’ planning to visit East Palestine, Ohio, after toxic train derailment
on ‘Best Intention’: Chris Kirk Has Absolute Trust in Jay Monahan and PGA Tour’s Widely Debated Model
on Ahead of big sports weekend, dispute with Disney leaves millions of cable subscribers in the dark
on A heavy wave of Russian missile attacks pounds areas across Ukraine, killing at least 4 civilians
on 2024 Super Bowl: CBS Sports Network and CBS Sports HQ to combine for 115 hours of weeklong coverage
on 2023 NFL All-Rookie Team: CBS Sports draft expert, former GM unveil league’s best first-year players
on Army vs. Coastal Carolina live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez Spreads Joy and Sportsmanship to the Youth of Loma de Cabrera
on After UFC Fallout, Conor McGregor Offers a Valuable Piece of Advice to Free Agent Francis Ngannou
on Dubai International Airport sees 41.6 million passengers in first half of year, more than in 2019
on Devout athletes find strength in their faith. But practicing it and elite sports can pose hurdles
on Despite strong Lunar New Year holiday data, consumer spending in China isn’t roaring back just yet
on Dave Portnoy: Taylor Swift’s security should ‘drag Kim Kardashian to jail’ if she attends Eras Tour
on CONCEPT ART: New Details Revealed for Disney Cruise Line Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point Destination
on “Completely Knocked Me Out”: Rob Lowe Recalls Boxing Match With Tom Cruise On 1983 Brat Pack Classic
on CBS Sports, Serie A announce new TV rights deal; Paramount+ to air over 400 Italian soccer matches
on Cam Newton’s Violent Public Incident Draws Hilarious Reaction From 3x All-Star: “Where Do I Sign Up
on Boston College vs. Army live stream, how to watch online, CBS Sports Network channel finder, odds
on Angel Reese Launches Foundation Dedicated To Empowering Women Through Sports & Financial Literacy
on A weaker dollar, skyrocketing prices and ‘record’ visitor numbers: Good luck in Europe this summer
vds satin al