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 thrill fans of both drama and soccer, 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 breakdown: 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 iconic defender Brandi Chastain, whose celebratory jersey-swoop became a symbol of women’s empowerment. 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 relentless defender Joy Fawcett. And this is the part most people miss—these roles aren’t just about soccer; they’re about telling a story of resilience, teamwork, and breaking barriers.
As previously reported, Zoey Deutch leads the charge as Marla Messing, the visionary executive who helped catapult the 1999 World Cup into a global phenomenon. With record-breaking attendance and viewership, this tournament wasn’t just a win for the U.S. team—it was a victory for women’s sports everywhere. Emily Bader and Emilia Jones join as soccer legends Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, respectively, while Alessandro Nivola plays Head Coach Tony DiCicco, the mastermind behind the team’s success.
Based on Jeré Longman’s 2000 book The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World, ‘The 99’ers’ captures the heart-pounding drama of the 1999 World Cup final. Picture this: a scorching summer day, a stadium packed with 93,000 fans, and a nail-biting penalty shootout against China. The U.S. team’s victory wasn’t just a win—it was a cultural earthquake that reshaped the landscape of women’s sports. But here’s a thought-provoking question: Did this moment truly level the playing field, or is there still ground to cover?
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 and Ross Greenburg, while Marla Messing, Jill Mazursky, and Krista Smith serve as executive producers. Controversially, some might argue that the story of the 1999 team is still underappreciated today—what do you think?
As for the talent reps, McDermott is with CAA, D2 Management, and Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole; Wilson is represented 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. Now, here’s the real question: Will ‘The 99’ers’ score big with audiences, or will it face off-field challenges? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
