What's Happening?
Netflix has announced the casting of Emilia Jones and Alessandro Nivola in its upcoming drama 'The 99'ers', which centers on the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team's historic 1999 World Cup victory. Directed by Nicole Kassell, the film will feature Jones as Julie Foudy, a key midfielder and captain of the team, and Nivola as Tony DiCicco, the head coach who led the team to victory. The drama is based on Jeré Longman's book 'The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World'. The film will also star Zoey Deutch as Marla Messing, the executive who managed the 1999 World Cup, and Emily Bader as soccer star Mia Hamm. The project is produced by Liza Chasin for 3Dot Productions, with a screenplay by Katie Lovejoy, Dana
Stevens, and Peter Hedges.
Why It's Important?
The casting of 'The 99'ers' highlights the ongoing cultural impact of the 1999 U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, whose World Cup victory was a pivotal moment in women's sports. This film aims to capture the spirit and challenges faced by the team, potentially inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans. The project underscores the increasing recognition and celebration of women's achievements in sports, contributing to broader discussions about gender equality and representation in media. By bringing this story to a global platform like Netflix, the film could further elevate the profile of women's soccer and encourage investment and interest in women's sports.
What's Next?
As production progresses, anticipation will likely build around the film's release, especially among soccer fans and advocates for women's sports. The film could spark renewed interest in the history of women's soccer and the ongoing efforts to achieve gender parity in sports. Stakeholders such as sports organizations, sponsors, and media outlets may leverage the film's release to promote women's sports initiatives. Additionally, the film's success could influence future projects that focus on women's achievements in various fields, potentially leading to more diverse storytelling in the entertainment industry.
