Get ready to relive one of the most iconic moments in sports history—but this time, with a star-studded cast bringing it to life. Netflix’s ‘The 99’ers’ is expanding its roster, and the lineup is nothing short of impressive. In a move that’s sure to excite fans of both sports and drama, six new actors have joined the cast, each stepping into the cleats of the legendary 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team. Here’s the scoop: Julia McDermott (Women of the Movement), Shaunette Renée Wilson (Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), Perry Mattfeld (Chad Powers), Annabel O’Hagan (Fallout), Lizzy Greene (Ransom Canyon), and Isabelle Fuhrman (Orphan) are suiting up to portray the trailblazing athletes who changed the game forever.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting: McDermott will play the unforgettable defender Brandi Chastain, whose celebratory jersey-tug became a symbol of victory. Wilson takes on the role of goalkeeper Briana Scurry, while Mattfeld portrays the versatile forward/midfielder Michelle Akers. O’Hagan steps into the shoes of team captain Carla Overbeck, Greene brings midfielder Kristine Lilly to life, and Fuhrman embodies the tenacity of defender Joy Fawcett. And this is the part most people miss—these roles aren’t just about acting; they’re about honoring the women who defied the odds and reshaped the future of women’s sports.
Leading the charge is Zoey Deutch, who stars as Marla Messing, the visionary executive behind the 1999 World Cup’s unprecedented success. With record-breaking attendance and viewership, this tournament wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural phenomenon. Emily Bader and Emilia Jones join as soccer icons Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, while Alessandro Nivola plays Head Coach Tony DiCicco, the mastermind behind the team’s strategy.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the 1999 World Cup is celebrated as a triumph, it also raises questions about the ongoing fight for gender equality in sports. Did this victory truly level the playing field, or is there still work to be done? The film, based on Jeré Longman’s The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World, doesn’t shy away from these complexities. It captures the dramatic penalty shootout against China, the scorching summer heat, and the roar of 93,000 fans—all culminating in a win that captivated millions and left an indelible mark on history.
Behind the scenes, Nicole Kassell directs from a script by Katie Lovejoy, Dana Stevens, and Peter Hedges, with Jill Mazursky and Jamee Decio as the project’s original writers. Liza Chasin produces for 3Dot Productions, alongside Hayley Stool, Ross Greenburg, and executive producers Marla Messing, Jill Mazursky, and Krista Smith. And let’s not forget the talent reps—from CAA to UTA—who are ensuring these stars shine both on and off the screen.
Here’s the question we’re leaving you with: As we celebrate the legacy of the ’99ers, how far have we really come in the fight for equality in sports? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this game-changing story.
