The cinematic journey of the Aderes de Burjassot club unfolds across continents, bringing its story to life on screen. After earning numerous awards, including three Goyas, the tale of champions endures in the public imagination. Focus Features has released a new trailer, signaling an American adaptation of Campeones. The movie marks the third remake following earlier versions in Germany and Saudi Arabia. The project creator, Ibizan filmmaker David Marqués, spent five years drafting the screenplay for Campeones, shaping its core idea for a broad audience. (Source: Iberian film press archives)
Marqués is credited as the originator of the original concept in the remakes, securing the rights to the story to guide the adaptations. This process is intricate, as buyers must align with the spirit of the original while negotiating a set of essential terms. One condition involved casting disabled actors, another required a respectful homage to the ending Marqués envisioned for Campeones, though the latter did not translate into the United States version. Marqués notes that the American project, directed by Bobby Farrelly and featuring a storyline akin to comedies such as Me, Myself & Irene, respects the source while still introducing distinct cultural touches. (Source: film industry interviews)
Despite some differences, many jokes and moments from the Spanish film carry over to the American remake. Marqués describes the adaptation as largely faithful, with many scenes and dialogues translated and integrated, pleased by the evident care paid to the original concept. The overarching aim remains clear: preserve the core premise while ensuring authentic reception in a new market. (Source: production notes)
The cast includes Woody Harrelson as the coach, a role originally portrayed by Javier Gutiérrez in the Spanish version. Harrelson is widely recognized for his work in television and film, including acclaimed series such as Cheers and True Detective, as well as notable productions like The Larry Flynt Scandal and Natural Born Killers. (Source: actor filmography summaries)
Each remake seeks to tailor the story to its domestic audience. In the American version, the coach’s persona is adjusted to reflect American sports culture, certain characters disappear, and others undergo changes, yet the team members’ traits are largely preserved. This approach aims to honor the source while aligning with cultural expectations. (Source: interview excerpts)
Currently, Campeones has seen three international adaptations—United States, Germany, and Saudi Arabia. The German edition performed well and is heading toward a sequel, as Marqués confirms. Other nations have shown interest in producing their own versions of the Campeones formula. Countries including Chile, Belgium, India, France, China, and the Netherlands have purchased rights for future adaptations. (Source: international rights briefings)
For Marqués, the story contains all the elements that resonate with audiences who love feel-good comedies. While drafting the script, he drew inspiration from classic American sports films like Hoosiers, noting that those stories celebrate athletic achievement without stigmatizing people with intellectual disabilities. (Source: script development notes)
The writer’s goal in Campeones was to craft a fun and engaging narrative while maintaining boundaries. Addressing intellectual disability requires sensitivity, avoiding paternalism or trivialization. This intent shaped the adaptations, with both the German and American versions maintaining the spirit of Campeones and treating characters with respect. The Saudi production, directed by Manu Calvo, involved an international crew from Syria, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Egypt, and featured a futsal-centered plot that marked a milestone in inclusive storytelling. (Source: production history)
Origin of the story
The Campeones film takes its premise from the Burjassot Sports, Rehabilitation and Social Association (Aderes) basketball team, founded in 1998 to compete in minor leagues. The team soon earned multiple FEDDI titles, the federation recognizing its role in promoting sports for people with intellectual disabilities. Aderes has been honored with the Levante-EMV Award for advancing sport for individuals with functional diversity. (Source: federation records)
The Spanish film opens by following coach Marco, who faces professional and personal turmoil after a dismissal. A reckless accident leads to a severe penalty, and Marco serves time while coaching a community basketball squad called Los Amigos, comprised of athletes with diverse disabilities. At first, Marco resents the assignment, but the journey reveals how much he can learn from the players. (Source: film synopsis)
New project
Campeones lingered in Marqués’s drawer for a time before several production companies acquired the rights. The film’s success in 2019, crowned by three Goyas, has propelled it toward worldwide release in cinemas now. (Source: industry press)
Around this project, Marqués has contributed to other works, including dialogues for the film directed by Javier Fesser and directing features such as El club del unemployment (2021), Gods and dogs (2014), and En temporada baja (2022) in the Puçol and Valencia regions. The project moved forward with collaboration from the Levante-EMV newsroom, highlighting regional film activity. (Source: regional filmography records)
Upcoming shoots are planned with Morena Films, and several projects are in development with Valencia-based Sunrise and TV On Producciones. (Source: production announcements)
Campeonex, the sequel to the movie, in 2023
Javier Fesser recently completed filming the second installment of Campeones, titled Campeonex. The sequel reunites the original ensemble, including Sergio Olmos, Jesús Lago, José de Luna, Jesús Vidal, Fran Fuentes, Gloria Ramos, Alberto Nieto, Roberto Chinchil, and Stefan López, with new casting additions anticipated to generate further buzz. The script was developed in collaboration with actress Athenea Mata, who previously portrayed Sonia. The project is produced by Luis Manso for Películas Pendelton and Alvaro Longoria for Morena Films, in partnership with Rey de Babia AIE, along with Movistar Plus+ and RTVE. (Source: production notes and press releases)