Disney+ joins behind-the-scenes doc boom with Football Australia

Disney+ and Football Australia have announced a behind-the-scenes documentary series that will follow the Australia women’s national football team.

The as-yet unnamed six-part series will join the Matildas on their journey to the 2023 World Cup, which the country is co-hosting with New Zealand.

The docuseries will also cover the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, as well as off-the-field efforts to inspire change. The influence of coach Tony Gustavsson and the team’s connection with the fans will be key aspects of the show.

Production is underway, with Fremantle and Boardwalk Pictures working algonside Disney+. Steve Bibb (Inside the Sydney Opera House, Shipwreck Hunters Australia) and Christopher G. Cowen (Decades Series, College Football 150, State of Play) are executive producing, with Katie Bender Wynn (The Will To Fly) as director. The show will release locally in 2023 with a global release at a later date.

Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand said: “The Matildas are game-changers for women’s sport in Australia and around the world. This Australian narrative details the impressive skill, determination, commitment, and stamina it takes in the lead up to the World Cup in 2023. The series transcends football and celebrates the true Australian spirit of the Matildas.”

James Johnson, chief executive officer of Football Australia added: “The Commonwealth Bank Matildas represent Australia on the world stage as global ambassadors and are an inspiration to many, both young and old. This docu-series is an incredible opportunity to share their story not just locally, but globally, and at a time of rapid evolution in women’s football, we are proud to be working with the world’s best story-telling company to bring the Matildas spirit to life.

“In partnering with The Walt Disney Company, Football Australia has chosen a partner that focuses on stories with inspirational and aspirational themes. Together, we hope that this docu-series will inspire the next generation of footballers, girls and boys, around the world, and our players are excited by that challenge.”

Bender Wynn said: “The Matildas have broken through massive barriers for women in sport, yet their story has never properly been told. I’m thrilled that Disney+ is shining a light on this inspiring group of women whose stories are worthy of the biggest platform. On its surface, this is a classic tale about a team of women preparing for the greatest tournament of their lives; but at its core, it’s an intimate portrait of a sisterhood that transcends the game.”