Netflix is continuing its push into sports storytelling with a new original film that celebrates the power, resilience, and legacy of women’s soccer. The streaming giant has officially added Ransom Canyon star Lizzy Greene and Orphan actress Isabelle Fuhrman to the growing cast of its upcoming drama “The 99’ers.”
The project, which is currently in pre-production, is expected to spotlight the cultural and emotional impact of the United States women’s national soccer team during its historic rise to global prominence. While Netflix has kept several plot details under wraps, insiders say the film will combine a coming-of-age sports narrative with a heartfelt tribute to the generation of athletes who helped redefine women’s sports in the late 1990s.
Greene and Fuhrman’s casting marks one of the most significant updates since the project was first announced late last year.
A Film Inspired by a Legendary Team
The title “The 99’ers” refers to the iconic 1999 U.S. Women’s National Team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a victory widely credited with transforming women’s soccer in the United States and inspiring millions of young athletes around the world.
The team’s triumph at the Rose Bowl in front of more than 90,000 fans remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history. Their dramatic penalty shootout victory over China, capped by Brandi Chastain’s now-legendary celebration, became a defining cultural moment.
While Netflix’s film is not a strict biopic, sources close to the production say it will draw heavily from the spirit of that era.
Instead of focusing exclusively on the famous players themselves, the story reportedly follows a fictional group of young soccer players whose lives are shaped by watching the historic 1999 tournament unfold.
Through their journeys, the film explores themes of ambition, friendship, sacrifice, and the growing recognition of women’s sports on the global stage.
Lizzy Greene Joins the Team
Lizzy Greene, best known for her role in the upcoming Netflix series Ransom Canyon, will play Maddie Keller, a fiercely determined high school soccer captain from Texas whose dreams of playing professionally begin to feel within reach after witnessing the 1999 World Cup.
Greene rose to prominence with her breakout role in Nickelodeon’s Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn before transitioning into more dramatic roles in recent years. Industry observers say her casting in The 99’ers reflects Netflix’s confidence in her ability to anchor emotionally grounded character-driven stories.
According to early script details, Maddie is a natural leader on the field but struggles with pressures at home and doubts about whether women’s soccer can truly offer a future.
The 1999 World Cup becomes a turning point for her — not just as an athlete, but as a young woman discovering what it means to chase a dream that society doesn’t always take seriously.
In a statement shared with entertainment media, Greene said she was immediately drawn to the project’s message.
“Growing up, I watched stories about male athletes all the time, but films about women’s sports were much rarer,” Greene said. “This movie is about more than soccer. It’s about the moment when a generation realized that girls could dream just as big.”
Isabelle Fuhrman Brings Emotional Depth
Joining Greene is Isabelle Fuhrman, widely recognized for her powerful performances in psychological and dramatic roles.
Fuhrman will portray Rachel Carrillo, a gifted but introverted goalkeeper who becomes one of Maddie’s closest friends and teammates.
Rachel’s storyline reportedly explores the emotional toll of competitive sports and the challenges young athletes face when balancing identity, expectations, and personal growth.
The character is described as highly intelligent and introspective, someone who initially views soccer as a temporary escape rather than a lifelong passion.
However, witnessing the success of the U.S. women’s team gradually reshapes Rachel’s perspective — and pushes her to confront her fears about failure and visibility.
For Fuhrman, the role represents an opportunity to step into a sports-centered narrative while maintaining the psychological complexity she is known for.
“Rachel isn’t just the goalkeeper on the team,” Fuhrman said in a brief production note. “She’s someone who’s figuring out who she is while the world around her is changing.”
A Story About the Ripple Effect of Victory
Although the 1999 World Cup victory serves as the film’s historical anchor, The 99’ers focuses primarily on the ripple effects that moment had on everyday people.
Writers involved in the project say the film will jump between multiple timelines — including scenes set during the World Cup itself and others set years later as the characters navigate college, professional ambitions, and life beyond sports.
The structure is designed to highlight how cultural moments can shape entire generations.
One producer involved with the project described the film as:
“Part sports drama, part coming-of-age story, and part love letter to the young girls who suddenly saw themselves represented on the world stage.”
Netflix’s Expanding Sports Slate
Netflix has increasingly invested in sports-related programming over the past few years, from documentaries to scripted dramas.
While the platform initially found success with docuseries like Drive to Survive, the company has since explored fictional sports stories that blend real-world inspiration with character-driven storytelling.
The 99’ers represents one of Netflix’s most ambitious scripted sports films centered on women’s athletics.
Industry analysts say the project reflects a broader trend across Hollywood — a growing recognition that audiences are eager for stories about female athletes that go beyond traditional underdog narratives.
The film is reportedly being developed with input from former players, coaches, and sports historians to ensure that the cultural atmosphere of the late 1990s is authentically captured.
A New Generation of Sports Stories
Beyond its historical inspiration, The 99’ers is also expected to highlight the generational shift in how women’s soccer is perceived today.
The success of modern stars in leagues around the world — along with record-breaking attendance and television viewership — has helped solidify the sport’s global impact.
By linking the past to the present, Netflix hopes the film will resonate with both longtime soccer fans and younger viewers discovering the sport for the first time.
Early concept art and script excerpts suggest the film will emphasize teamwork, mentorship, and the idea that one moment of visibility can change everything.
Production Timeline and Release Plans
Production for The 99’ers is expected to begin later this year, with filming likely to take place across several locations in the United States.
Texas, California, and North Carolina are among the states reportedly being considered for principal photography.
The film’s creative team has not yet revealed the full cast list, but additional announcements are expected in the coming months as the project moves closer to production.
Netflix has tentatively targeted a 2027 release window, though that timeline could shift depending on filming schedules and post-production.
Why the Story Still Matters
More than two decades after the 1999 World Cup, the influence of that team continues to be felt across sports culture.
Participation in youth soccer surged in the years following the tournament, and many players who watched the final as children eventually went on to become professionals themselves.
For filmmakers behind The 99’ers, the goal is not simply to recreate history but to capture the emotional impact of that moment — particularly for young girls who suddenly realized their ambitions were possible.
As one producer put it:
“The story isn’t just about the champions on the field. It’s about the thousands of kids watching at home who believed, maybe for the first time, that they belonged there too.”
With Lizzy Greene and Isabelle Fuhrman now officially on board, The 99’ers is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most intriguing upcoming sports dramas.
Whether viewers tune in for the nostalgia, the coming-of-age storytelling, or the celebration of women’s athletics, the film aims to remind audiences of a simple but powerful truth: sometimes one victory can change an entire generation.
