Taika Waititi's Next Goal Wins movie gets November release date

Michael Fassbender roaring at a group of footballers.
Taika Waititi's latest film has been given a November release date. Photo credit: Searchlight

New Zealand director Taika Waititi's upcoming film Next Goal Wins will now be released in November, having previously eyed April and September dates.

Taking to his social media, the Thor director revealed the movie about the American Samoa soccer team would be in cinemas from November 17.

In January, the film's social media account said it was due for release on September 22. An announcement from Fox Searchlight Pictures then said the movie was releasing on April 20.

On Twitter, Waititi confirmed the latest release date, saying it was his "least cynical film."

"Next Goal Wins. Based on a true story. My least cynical film in which nothing bad happens to anyone. Imagine that? In theaters November 17th," he wrote, before ending his message with, "BE HAPPY" - which is the film's tagline.

The movie follows the "world's worst soccer team" ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in 2001. The team went on to lose their qualifying game against Australia by 31-0. 

The story will focus on Michael Fassbender's down-on-his-luck coach Thomas Rongen in a "heartfelt underdog comedy".

It also stars fellow New Zealanders Oscar Kightley, Dave Fane, Beulah Koale and Rachel House.