A new Goal movie, a follow-up to the hit series which started in 2005, is now in the works with filming set to take place in and around Manchester.
Both Screen Manchester and Marketing Manchester are in discussions to be part of the project. Screen Manchester offer tax incentives to productions taking place in the city.
Titled Goal IV: Dreams Never End, the fourth instalment of the beloved franchise will be set in Manchester with the involvement of City Football Group (CFG) leading to speculation that the story will revolve around Manchester City, much like Newcastle United and Real Madrid in the original trilogy.
The project is being developed by producer Patrick McCaulay who expressed excitement over the project “I’m thrilled to be spearheading the return of the Goal franchise and I can’t wait to bring the new movie to Manchester, what I consider to be the home of football in the UK. It’s such an incredible city and we hope to do justice to the vibrancy and history of the city when portrayed on-screen.
“As a long-time advocate of football, movies and harnessing the power of using sports as a means for inspiring stories this is a real dream project for me.I’m excited to work with both City Football Group and Screen Manchester. They both reflect our shared commitment to promoting football through innovative and compelling storytelling.”
According to McCaulay, plot details for the fourth movie are said to involve the return of Santiago Muñez, who is now a manager in England mentoring his half-brother, Mambinho a Brazilian superstar player who “finds fame after going viral on social media with the game in the palm of his hands."
The Goal! series began in 2005 as a trilogy of films chronicling the journey of Santiago Muñez, a young footballer who rises from humble beginnings to international stardom. The series garnered a devoted fanbase and continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
City Football Group (CFG), a long-time advocate of football storytelling, expressed excitement over the project: “We’re thrilled to hear that the Goal franchise is returning. A collaboration on sports related movies reflects our shared commitment to promoting football through innovative and compelling storytelling."