'The Beautiful Game': Cast and character guide on who's playing who in Netflix's sports drama film
ROME, ITALY: Netflix is gearing up for the premiere of 'The Beautiful Game,' directed by Thea Sharrock, scheduled to debut on Friday, March 29, 2024. This British sports drama film features Bill Nighy and Michael Ward in prominent roles.
The story follows a group of English homeless footballers, led by their coach Mal, as they prepare to participate in the Homeless World Cup in Rome. The film focuses on Vinny, a gifted yet troubled striker, and his journey alongside his teammates in this international tournament.
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The official synopsis of 'The Beautiful Game' reads, "As an English football squad heads to Rome for the Homeless World Cup, their talented new player must let go of his past and learn to be a part of a team."
Ahead of its release, let's delve into the cast lineup.
Bill Nighy as Mal
Bill Nighy, who has been honored with a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award, is returning to portray the pivotal character of coach Mal in Netflix's 'The Beautiful Game'.
He gained worldwide recognition for his role in 'Love Actually' (2003), and audiences fondly remember the 74-year-old actor as Davy Jones in the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' film series (2006–2007).
Micheal Ward as Vinny
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Jamaican-British actor Micheal Ward joins Bill Nighy in the pivotal role of Vinny, a troubled striker, in the upcoming series.
The 27-year-old actor garnered acclaim for his performance in Steve McQueen's 'Small Axe: Lovers Rock' in 2020, earning a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
Additionally, Ward appeared as Jamie in the Netflix series 'Top Boy.'
Kit Young as Cal
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Christopher William Young, widely recognized as Kit Young, rose to prominence for his portrayal of Jesper Fahey in the fantasy series 'Shadow and Bone' (2021–2023).
Before being cast as Cal in 'The Beautiful Game,' he appeared in the Netflix film 'The School for Good and Evil' (2022).
Susan Wokoma as Protasia
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Susan Wokoma, aged 36, is set to portray Protasia in Netflix's upcoming film. She is widely celebrated for her performances as Edith in the 'Enola Holmes' films and Cynthia in 'Chewing Gum'.
Wokoma also participated in the 16th series of 'Taskmaster; (2023), finishing in third place.
Callum Scott Howells as Nathan
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Callum Scott Howells, aged 24, is known for starring in Russell T Davies' miniseries 'It's a Sin'. For his performance, Howells was nominated for the British Academy Television Award for Best Supporting Actor.
He will appear as Nathan in Netflix's 'The Beautiful Game'.
'The Beautiful Game' trailer