Filmax is tapping into the ever-popular world of live-action family films with “The Footballest II,” the second big-screen adaptation of the beloved children’s book series created by Spain’s Roberto Santiago. With over 5 million copies sold globally, “The Footballest” is a literary phenomenon.
Spanish audiences can expect “The Footballest and the Mystery of the Pirate Treasure” to hit theaters in the summer of 2025. Filmax will be showcasing exciting first-look images of the family adventure at the upcoming American Film Market in Las Vegas.
The “Footballest” novels have been translated and published in over 20 countries, including major markets like France, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Greece, The Netherlands, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Algeria, Iran and Turkey, demonstrating the universal appeal of this charming series.
Following the smash hit “The Footballest,” which brought Santiago’s story “The Mystery of the Sleeping Referees” to life, “The Footballest and the Mystery of the Pirate Treasure” promises more thrilling adventures. Released in 2018 by Paramount Pictures International, the first film earned a remarkable €3.4 million ($3.8 million) at the Spanish box office, landing in the Top 10 highest-grossing Spanish films of the year. Netflix quickly snagged the rights to “The Footballest” in March 2020, just before the pandemic struck Spain.
Once again directed by Miguel Angel Lamata (“Our Lovers”), “The Footballest II” continues to follow the captivating misadventures of Pakete and his close-knit friends at the Soto Alto soccer club. This spirited group of boys and girls, bound by a pact to always remain friends and play soccer together, find themselves facing a brand new challenge.
In this exciting sequel, Soto Alto’s playing field has been lost due to a cunning property development scheme. The team now faces the threat of being relegated and disbanded unless they emerge victorious in their final match against the formidable Los Justos, a team from the local reform school.
As their parents unite to fight against the deceitful scheme that has brought their town to financial ruin, the Soto Alto team becomes entangled in a mysterious bank robbery. Unexpectedly, Almudena, leader of the rival Los Justos, holds the key to solving Soto Alto’s problems.
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“The Footballest and the Mystery of the Pirate Treasure” has already secured a wide range of television broadcasting deals within Spain, including acquisitions by public broadcaster RTVE, pay-TV/SVOD operator Movistar Plus+, and regional state TV Telemadrid.
“Following the tremendous success of the first ’The Footballest’ film in theaters, on streaming, and on TV, and especially because of the literary phenomenon behind the franchise and the passionate pleas from its fans, we decided to produce the sequel,” said De Miguel. “This installment boasts even more adventure, mystery, and captivating new characters that take the saga to new heights. The film showcases a dynamic visual language, agile direction, top-notch visual effects, and a level of quality that rivals the best international productions.”
“We’re incredibly excited to have one of Spain’s most successful IPs in recent years. This is a fun-packed family film with thrilling adventures that we believe will be a box office hit,” he added.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Film Expert:
Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into the exciting world of family films. Joining us is film expert, Dr. Laura Martinez, who has extensive knowledge of children’s literature adaptations. Laura, thank you for being here!
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this fascinating topic.
Editor: Let’s talk about the upcoming film “The Footballest II,” based on the widely beloved children’s book series by Roberto Santiago. With 5 million copies sold globally, what do you think accounts for its universal appeal?
Dr. Martinez: The charm of “The Footballest” lies in its relatable characters and the themes of friendship and teamwork that resonate with children and parents alike. Roberto Santiago masterfully combines humor and heart, creating stories that are not only entertaining but also impart valuable life lessons.
Editor: Absolutely! The first film adaptation was a significant success, earning around €3.4 million at the Spanish box office. What do you think contributed to that film’s success?
Dr. Martinez: A combination of factors made it work. The nostalgia associated with the “Footballest” series played a huge role, along with the film’s engaging storytelling and dynamic performances. Plus, the timing of its release helped—it was a family-friendly film that audiences craved for during the holiday season.
Editor: The upcoming “The Footballest and the Mystery of the Pirate Treasure” seems to promise more adventure. It’s exciting that Filmax is showcasing first-look images at the upcoming American Film Market. How important are events like this for film promotion?
Dr. Martinez: Extremely important! These events allow filmmakers to build buzz and generate interest among distributors and audiences. Sharing first-look images can create anticipation, allowing fans to engage early on and ensuring the film stays top of mind for when it releases.
Editor: The story continues with Pakete and his friends facing a new challenge—losing their playing field. How do you think this storyline reflects real-life challenges faced by children today?
Dr. Martinez: The theme of losing a beloved space—a soccer field in this case—resonates deeply with children who often face changes in their social environments. Issues like property development, gentrification, and community loss are very real for many families. By mirroring these challenges in a relatable and adventurous context, the film can foster discussions around these themes.
Editor: That’s a great point. Also, the addition of new characters, like the team from the local reform school, introduces a fresh dynamic. How do you think this diversity of characters will enhance the story?
Dr. Martinez: Introducing varied characters can provide new perspectives and deepen the narrative. It challenges the main characters and promotes the idea that teamwork can bridge differences. This diversity adds richness to the story, letting audiences embrace a broader spectrum of experiences and relationships.
Editor: It seems that these films do more than entertain; they can educate and inspire. What do you hope audiences, particularly young viewers, will take away from “The Footballest II”?
Dr. Martinez: I hope children take away valuable messages about friendship, resilience, and the importance of standing up for what they love. If the film encourages kids to work together and embrace challenges, then it has succeeded in its mission.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Martinez. With the film set to hit theaters in summer 2025, fans of “The Footballest” have much to look forward to!
Dr. Martinez: Indeed! I can’t wait to see how Pakete and his friends navigate their challenges in this new adventure. Thank you for having me!
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Laura! We appreciate your insights into this exciting addition to family cinema.
