The local arm of streaming service Disney Plus has commissioned a six-part docu-series to tell the story of the Australian women’s national football team, the Commonwealth Bank Matildas, as they prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The series will go behind-the-scenes of the team’s quest and chronicle and highs and lows, as well as the teamwork, trust and spirit between the women.
It will also highlight the deep connection the Matildas have with their fans and cover their experiences during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
More broadly, the series will track the rise of women’s sport and how the Matildas are pioneering change.
Disney Plus is yet to reveal the name of the series, but production is already underway.
Fremantle and Boardwalk Pictures will lend services on the global production, while Steve Bibb and Christopher G. Cowen are on board as executive producers. Katie Bender Wynn is director.
Kylie Watson-Wheeler, senior vice president and managing director of The Walt Disney Company in Australia and New Zealand, said the series transcends football and celebrates the true Australian spirit of the Matildas.
“The Matildas are gamechangers 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,” she said.
James Johnson, CEO of Football Australia, said the sporting body is proud to be working with The Walt Disney Company on telling such an important story.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Director Bender Wynn said despite breaking through massive barriers, the Matildas’ story has never been properly told.
“I’m thrilled that Disney Plus 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.”
The series will launch locally on Disney Plus in 2023 and go on for a global release at a later date.
Disney flagged there will be more announcements about local scripted and unscripted commissions in the coming weeks.