Netflix has secured Emilia Jones and Alessandro Nivola for its upcoming U.S. Women’s Soccer drama, The 99’ers, directed by Nicole Kassell. The series will star Zoey Deutch and Emily Bader, with Jones portraying Julie Foudy, a pivotal member and captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, and Nivola taking on the role of Tony DiCicco, the coach who led the team to their 1999 World Cup victory.
Key Roles and Historical Context of ‘The 99’ers’
Jones will depict Julie Foudy, who played midfield for 17 years, eventually becoming co-captain and captain of the national team. Nivola’s character, Tony DiCicco, served as head coach from 1994 to 1999, guiding the team to 103 wins and their iconic World Cup championship in 1999. Zoey Deutch will portray Marla Messing, the soccer executive behind the successful 1999 World Cup tournament, while Emily Bader plays star forward Mia Hamm.
Storyline Based on a Defining Moment in Women’s Soccer
The 99’ers draws inspiration from Jeré Longman’s 2000 HarperPerennial book The Girls of Summer: The U.S. Women’s Soccer Team and How It Changed the World. The plot centers on the national team’s dramatic victory over China in the 1999 World Cup final, decided by a tense penalty kick shootout before 93,000 fans. This triumph not only captivated millions globally but also marked a turning point in the recognition and advancement of women’s sports.
Creative Team Behind the Series
The screenplay is penned by Katie Lovejoy, Dana Stevens, and Peter Hedges, with Jill Mazursky and Jamee Decio having contributed early writing to the project. Liza Chasin produces through 3Dot Productions alongside Hayley Stool and Ross Greenburg. Executive producers include Marla Messing, Jill Mazursky, and Krista Smith, reinforcing the strong connection to the true story behind the series.
Cast Members’ Recent Work and Representation
Emilia Jones recently earned acclaim for her role in the HBO drama Task, created by Brad Ingelsby, and is set to star in A24’s Anthony Bourdain biopic Tony alongside Dominic Sessa. She is represented by Brillstein Entertainment Partners, CAA, the UK’s Artist Rights Group, and attorney Chris Abramson. Alessandro Nivola currently appears as Calvin Klein in FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette and was featured in Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist and Pedro Almodóvar’s The Room Next Door. His representatives include UTA, Range Media Partners, Tavistock Wood in the UK, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
The Cultural Impact and Anticipation for ‘The 99’ers’
By highlighting the 1999 U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s historic World Cup victory, The 99’ers intends to celebrate a landmark moment that reshaped women’s sports worldwide. With an award-winning cast and experienced creative team, the series promises to engage audiences while honoring the perseverance and success of these groundbreaking athletes. It will likely contribute to the continued conversation around gender equity in sports and inspire future generations.
