The film is based on the true story of four top American college football stars who left fame behind to enlist in the Marines following the attack on Pearl Harbor
11:41, 07 Jan 2026Updated 11:43, 07 Jan 2026
War drama enthusiasts are set for a real treat as Netflix has revealed the first glimpse of an eagerly-awaited "wartime epic" rooted in actual events, which is just one of many epic war dramas on the streaming platform.
Currently being shot in Australia, the cast and production team from the movie struck poses for photographs on the Queensland battleground.
Featuring Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson and Tom Francis, the picture tells the genuine tale of four leading American university football champions who abandoned their celebrity status to join the Marines after Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Netflix tantalized audiences: "As they prepare for the brutal invasion of Okinawa, they participate in a legendary game featuring some of the greatest players in history - a game that, for many, will be their last."
The production in question is The Mosquito Bowl, and several fresh cast additions have been revealed, with American sports commentator and presenter Pat McAfee coming aboard as a US Marine drill instructor. Brent Comer and Dominic Bogart have also been signed up for unspecified parts.
Production occurred in 2025, with Berg stating previously: "I'm thrilled to be in Queensland filming The Mosquito Bowl with some of the best crews in the world. The landscapes here are cinematic gold - perfect for bringing this story to life.
"So far, I've crossed paths with two kangaroos and a couple of pythons, and I'm seriously considering casting them! Huge thanks to Screen Queensland for their incredible support in helping make this production possible."
The forthcoming film serves as a feature adaptation of Buzz Bissinger's New York Times bestseller The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II. Berg's recent credits include the acclaimed limited series American Primeval, which dominated the Netflix Global Top 10 TV chart for four weeks and amassed 35.1 million views.
The Mosquito Bowl chronicles a football match played on Christmas Eve in 1944 between two Marine regiments at Guadalcanal during the Second World War. The match was arranged with 65 players, featuring sporting icons John McLaughry and Tony Butkovich.
Though the match concluded in a goalless draw, it became immortalised in history as a pivotal moment of bravery and service. Numerous spectators had assembled around the improvised football pitch to witness the game and experience a slice of home.
The Inquirer detailed how Bissinger's book recounts this uplifting tale, stating: "While plenty of other able-bodied men didn't let the war disrupt their lives, these men postponed offers to play in the NFL, begin careers, marry or start their own families to join the fight.
"In exploring the hearts and souls of those who risked everything for their country, Bissinger's book defines some of the qualities that make America great - then, now and forever. And such greatness characterizes exceptional men and women around the world.
"He also showcases the horrors of war and the blunders that cost lives on the battlefield."
The news about the Netflix adaptation first broke in the summer of 2025, sparking excitement among fans of Berg's previous work who were keen to see his next project.
Fans took to X, previously known as Twitter, to voice their thoughts. User LegendDboy posted: "From the field of the frontlines... this is gonna be emotional."
Michael Riley chimed in with: "Amazing book! I'm sure the film will be excellent as well. Peter Berg is so talented."
Nolan Carter added his two cents: "That cast and story already have me hooked."
Ali Heib rounded off the comments with: "Wow, sounds like a wild mix of football and war. Can't wait to see how they pull off that epic game story!"
The Mosquito Bowl is set to premiere on Netflix.
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