Get ready for a thrilling ride as Netflix's upcoming drama, 'The 99'ers', brings to life the incredible story of the 1999 U.S. Women's Soccer team! But here's where it gets controversial... will this adaptation do justice to the legacy of these sports icons?
The cast is stacked with talented actors taking on the roles of these legendary athletes. Julia McDermott, known for her role in 'Women of the Movement', will embody the iconic defender Brandi Chastain. Shaunette Renée Wilson, fresh from 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny', steps into the shoes of goalkeeper Briana Scurry. Perry Mattfeld, Chad Powers himself, transforms into the dynamic forward/midfielder Michelle Akers. Annabel O'Hagan, from the world of 'Fallout', becomes the charismatic '99 World Cup team captain, Carla Overbeck. Lizzy Greene, of 'Ransom Canyon' fame, takes on the role of the skilled midfielder Kristine Lilly. And Isabelle Fuhrman, who captivated audiences in 'Orphan', will portray the formidable defender Joy Fawcett.
But the story doesn't end there. Zoey Deutch leads the film as the trailblazing executive Marla Messing, who played a pivotal role in the team's success. Alongside her, we have Emily Bader and Emilia Jones as Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, respectively, and Alessandro Nivoa as Head Coach Tony DiCicco.
Based on Jeré Longman's book, 'The Girls of Summer', 'The 99'ers' transports us back to 1999, when the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team defied all expectations. In a dramatic penalty shootout against China, under the intense summer sun and before a roaring crowd of 93,000 fans, they wrote history. This victory wasn't just a win on the field; it was a victory for women's sports worldwide, a moment that changed the game forever.
Directed by Nicole Kassell and scripted by Katie Lovejoy, Dana Stevens, and Peter Hedges, this project has been in the works for some time. With Jill Mazursky and Jamee Decio as the initial writers, and a production team led by Liza Chasin, Hayley Stool, and Ross Greenburg, the film is sure to be a visual treat. Marla Messing, Jill Mazursky, and Krista Smith are executive producers, ensuring the film's authenticity.
As for the cast's representation, McDermott is backed by CAA, D2 Management, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Wilson by CAA, Monica Villarreal, and Fox Rothschild; Mattfeld by Innovative; O'Hagan by MJ Management, Stewart Talent, and Sloane Offer Weber & Dern; Greene by Verve, Brave Artists Management, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer; and Fuhrman by UTA, Luber Roklin, and Jackoway Austen Tyerman.
So, will 'The 99'ers' live up to the expectations of sports enthusiasts and fans of the original team? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: this drama is set to spark conversations and debates. What do you think? Will it capture the essence of that iconic moment in sports history? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
