Get ready to relive one of the most iconic moments in sports history—but this time, through the lens of a star-studded Netflix drama. Netflix’s ‘The 99’ers’ is expanding its cast, and the lineup is nothing short of impressive. The series, which chronicles the groundbreaking journey of the 1999 U.S. Women’s Soccer Team, has just added six powerhouse actresses to its roster. 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 stepping onto the field to bring this historic story to life.
But here’s where it gets even more exciting: McDermott will portray the legendary defender Brandi Chastain, while Wilson takes on the role of goalkeeper Briana Scurry. Mattfeld steps into the shoes of forward/midfielder Michelle Akers, O’Hagan plays team captain Carla Overbeck, Greene embodies midfielder Kristine Lilly, and Fuhrman portrays 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 redefined what it means to be a female athlete.
As previously reported, Zoey Deutch leads the charge as Marla Messing, the trailblazing executive who helped orchestrate the 1999 World Cup’s unprecedented success. Emily Bader and Emilia Jones join as soccer icons Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy, with Alessandro Nivola playing Head Coach Tony DiCicco. But here’s the controversial question: Did the 1999 World Cup truly change the world, or did it simply lay the groundwork for the battles still being fought today?
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 team’s unforgettable penalty shootout victory against China in front of 93,000 fans. That win wasn’t just a game—it was a cultural earthquake that reshaped women’s sports forever. Yet, decades later, the fight for equality in sports continues. Is this a celebration of progress, or a reminder of how far we still have to go?
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, Marla Messing, Jill Mazursky, and Krista Smith as executive producers. The actresses are represented by top agencies, including CAA, UTA, and Verve, ensuring this project has the star power it deserves.
So, what do you think? Will The 99’ers score big with audiences, or will it spark debates about the legacy of the 1999 team? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
