"Underdogs" is Coming!

You probably never heard of the animated feature film "Foosball." Well, there's no reason that you should. This is another case of how what you see and hear about in the animation film industry is controlled by the major players in Hollywood. "Foosball" is a low-profile Argentinian animated feature film from director Juan Jose Campanella and yet another indication that animation production is steadily gaining traction overseas.

Harvey Weinstein of the Weinstein Company noticed "Foosball," though, and he has picked up "Foosball" for international release. It will receive new Hollywood voiceovers, with the voice actors not determined at this point. The film will be retitled "Underdogs" and will be released internationally (U.S, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and France) during August 2014. The English release will be August 27, 2014.

"Underdogs" focuses on a reluctant hero whose town is threatened when his long-time rival returns home to avenge an old grudge. When the players from his foosball table are magically brought to life, he recruits them to help him enter into the biggest underdog match ever.

"This film's magical story, heart, and humor, along with its top-notch animation, truly resonated with us and is sure to captivate parents just as much as it will their children," co-chairman Harvey Weinstein said. "We're incredibly excited to share it with audiences here in the U.S. and around the world."

Below is the original trailer of "Foosball," which will become "Underdogs":



No doubt a horde of Hollywood voice actors are scrambling for the chance to voice some of the characters in "Underdogs." Director Campanella says:

"It is a dream come true that Harvey Weinstein took our film under his wings. We couldn't hope for anything better. Not only because he might be the savviest distributor in the world but also because he has shown over the years an impeccable taste in films. So far, our creative collaboration has been of great respect and cooperation. I am looking forward to the future." 

It must be a dream come true - can you imagine the thrill of having your local production in South America picked up for distribution globally? Campanella must feel as though he won the lottery.

Heretofore, Campanella - who's been working since the 1970s and hails from Argentina - has been known as a successful tv series director on dramas like "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." He also has directed the occasional feature film such as "The Secret in Their Eyes," but he's not exactly well known in the States. This film "Underdogs" takes him to a whole new level in his career, and we couldn't be happier for him.


2020