Toxic Masculinity Soccer Tale ‘The Boot Room’ Acquired by U.K.’s Mutiny Films (EXCLUSIVE)

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The independent U.K. film company, Mutiny Films, has secured the movie adaptation rights for “The Boot Room,” a raw and honest account of toxic masculinity and bullying within 1980s English football, penned by John Budden, a former professional soccer player turned author.

The tale hails from Budden’s 2023 compilation “We Aim To Live” and delves into the more sinister aspects hidden within sports changing rooms.

As a passionate cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be working on a project with the talented director Helmer Atul Malhotra at the helm. He stumbled upon the intriguing material that forms the basis of our project through an engaging article in The Sunday Times.

Malhotra expressed his fascination after reading John’s story in the Sunday Times. He found “The Boot Room” to be both amusing and horrifying, yet impossible to look away from, and he felt it was a genuine account. Upon reading it, he believed that it would make an incredibly impactful film. Not only does it delve into the issue of bullying in sports, but it also sheds light on how toxic masculinity thrived in 1980s English soccer.

John was present, both on the field and in the locker rooms, so this story, though fictional, is based strongly on reality. It honestly portrays how sports during that era could bring out both the finest and the darkest aspects of athletes. We’re excited to share it with audiences soon,” Malhotra concluded.

As a passionate admirer, I’d like to highlight that Malhotra, the mastermind behind “Amar, Akbar & Tony,” which Netflix picked up after an impressive UK cinema release, boasts a robust background in independent filmmaking.

Previously serving as the creative director at Remarkable TV (part of Banijay Group) and heading entertainment at Endemol U.K., Richard Hague has now taken on a new role as a partner at Mutiny Films alongside Malhotra.

‘The Boot Room’ captivated us with its raw depiction of widespread problems in 1980s football, as Hague stated,” he said. “It’s not just a nostalgic piece; its compelling drama echoes current global concerns. We’re excited to join forces with John Budden to translate this important tale onto the screen.

Budden’s extensive background in soccer adds credibility to his writing. He started his career in the 1980s as an apprentice and player at Crystal Palace, where he worked alongside future England manager Gareth Southgate. Later, in the 1990s, he played for St. Johnstone FC, a top team in Scotland. After retiring from sports, Budden transitioned into education, earning respect as a head teacher. He then published his debut novel, “Everything Happens In August,” in 2010.

From my initial encounter with Mutiny Films, it was clear they grasped exactly what I wanted to express through ‘The Boot Room’ and shared my dedication to portraying it truthfully. Toxic masculinity and bullying are significant issues that affect men, women, and our overall community. I aim for this movie to offer a revealing perspective on the matter, coming from someone who has experienced it personally.”

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“In my initial interaction with Mutiny Films, I could see they fully grasped the concepts behind ‘The Boot Room’ that I am trying to convey and were as passionate about bringing it to life on screen as I am. Toxic masculinity and bullying are major problems that impact men, women, and our broader society. I hope this film offers a penetrating look at the issue, from someone who has lived through it.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Mutiny Films is a British production company specialized in creating films and TV shows. Their portfolio includes feature films, original dramas, documentaries, entertainment content, and branded material. The team behind Mutiny Films has a wealth of experience working on projects for networks like Discovery, National Geographic, BBC, Channel 4, Comedy Central, MTV, SKY, and numerous international brands.

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2025-05-19 09:22