Production Budget Analysis

What was the production budget for Next Goal Wins?

Directed by Taika Waititi, with Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana leading the cast, Next Goal Wins was produced by The Imaginarium with a confirmed budget of $14,000,000, placing it in the low-budget category for comedy films.

At $14,000,000, Next Goal Wins was produced on a modest budget. Lower-budget films benefit from reduced break-even thresholds, with profitability achievable at approximately $35,000,000.

Budget Comparison — Similar Productions

• Beyond Skyline (2017): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $992,181 → ROI: -93% • Red Lights (2012): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $13,551,174 → ROI: -3% • Scream (1996): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $173,046,663 → ROI: 1136% • Perfect Days (2023): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $24,094,016 → ROI: 72% • Brokeback Mountain (2005): Budget $14,000,000 | Gross $178,043,761 → ROI: 1172%

Key Budget Allocation Categories

▸ Talent Salaries & Producing Deals Established comedic talent can command $15–20 million per film, with top-tier stars earning even more through producing credits and backend deals. Comedy ensembles multiply this cost across several well-known performers.

▸ Production & Location Filming While comedies generally avoid the VFX costs of action films, location shooting in recognizable cities or exotic locales adds meaningful production expense.

▸ Marketing & P&A (Prints & Advertising) Comedies rely heavily on marketing to build opening-weekend momentum. Studios typically spend 50–100% of the production budget on marketing, with comedy trailers and social media campaigns being particularly expensive.

Key Production Personnel

CAST: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane, Rachel House Key roles: Michael Fassbender as Thomas Rongen; Oscar Kightley as Tavita; Kaimana as Jaiyah; David Fane as Ace

DIRECTOR: Taika Waititi CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lachlan Milne MUSIC: Michael Giacchino EDITING: Nicholas Monsour, Yana Gorskaya PRODUCTION: The Imaginarium, Searchlight Pictures, TSG Entertainment, Garrett Basch Productions, Defender Films, Archer's Mark FILMED IN: New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America

Box Office Performance

Next Goal Wins earned $6,713,826 domestically and $11,348,453 internationally, for a worldwide total of $18,062,279. Revenue was split 37% domestic / 63% international.

Break-Even Analysis

Using the industry-standard 2.5x multiplier (P&A + exhibitor shares of 40–50% + distribution fees), Next Goal Wins needed approximately $35,000,000 to break even. The film fell $16,937,721 short in theatrical revenue. Ancillary streams (home media, streaming, TV) may have bridged the gap.

Return on Investment (ROI)

Revenue: $18,062,279 Budget: $14,000,000 Net: $4,062,279 ROI: 29.0%

Profitability Assessment

VERDICT: Modestly Profitable

Next Goal Wins earned $18,062,279 against a $14,000,000 budget (29% ROI). Full profitability was likely achieved through ancillary revenue streams.

INDUSTRY IMPACT

PRODUCTION NOTES

▸ Casting

In September 2019, Michael Fassbender entered final negotiations to star in the film. He would be confirmed the next month, alongside Elisabeth Moss entering negotiations to join. In November 2019, it was announced Kaimana, Oscar Kightley, David Fane, Beulah Koale, Lehi Falepapalangi, Semu Filipo, Uli Latukefu, Rachel House, Rhys Darby, Angus Sampson, Chris Alosio and Sisa Grey had joined the cast of the film, with Moss being confirmed. In December 2019, Armie Hammer joined the cast of the film, playing an executive with Football Federation American Samoa.

▸ Filming & Locations

Principal photography began in November 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and wrapped by January 2020. In December 2021, it was announced that Will Arnett would be stepping in for Hammer following allegations of sexual assault made by multiple women against the latter. The part, initially intended as a cameo, was expanded when Arnett joined. In May 2023, Kaitlyn Dever was announced as part of the cast.

[Filming] Principal photography began in November 2019 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and wrapped by January 2020. In December 2021, it was announced that Will Arnett would be stepping in for Hammer following allegations of sexual assault made by multiple women against the latter. The part, initially intended as a cameo, was expanded when Arnett joined. In May 2023, Kaitlyn Dever was announced as part of the cast.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Summary: 1 nomination total

CRITICAL RECEPTION

Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled by PostTrak gave it an 86% overall positive score, with 65% saying they would definitely recommend the film.