"Next Goal Wins," adapted from a 2014 documentary, captures the journey of an American Samoan football team led by coach Thomas Rongen (portrayed by Michael Fassbender) who guides them from misfortune to success. The film not only showcases Pacific Islander culture but also includes a pivotal character, Jaiyah Saelua, portrayed by a fa’afafine (a third-gender community in Samoa) actor Kaimana. This casting choice reflects a commitment to authentic representation.
Waititi, also the screenwriter and producer of the film, chose not to overly emphasize the fa’afafine identity of Jaiyah in the narrative. He expressed his view that Hollywood often over-dramatizes such identities, opting instead for a more subtle and respectful portrayal, reflective of the inherent respect and honor given to the fa’afafine community in Samoan culture.
The filmmaker sees a stark contrast between the effortless acceptance of diverse identities in the Pacific and the ongoing struggles in Western societies to understand and respect them. He humorously comments on the practicality of the Samoan approach, focusing on daily life and necessities rather than dwelling on personal choices regarding one's body.
Waititi, known for his inclusive and progressive works, previously starred as Captain Blackbeard in HBO's queer pirate comedy-drama "Our Flag Means Death." The show celebrated LGBTQ+ characters, including the non-binary pirate Jim Jimenez, played by Vico Ortiz.
"Next Goal Wins" is more than just a sports film; it's a statement on the need for a global shift in understanding and portraying trans identities, guided by the wisdom and acceptance inherent in cultures like that of Samoa. The movie's UK release on 26 December 2023 marks a step forward in this journey.