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

U.K. indie production outfit Mutiny Films has scored the film rights to “The Boot Room,” former soccer player-turned-author John Budden‘s unflinching tale of toxic masculinity and bullying in 1980s English soccer.

The story, which comes from Budden’s 2023 collection “We Aim To Live,” explores the darker corners of sports locker rooms.

Helmer Atul Malhotra is attached to direct the project, having discovered the material through a Sunday Times article.

“I read an article about John’s story in the Sunday Times and was immediately intrigued by the subject matter,” Malhotra said. “‘The Boot Room’ is amusing, horrifying, riveting and authentic and, as soon as I read it, I knew that it would make an extremely powerful film. Not only does it explore bullying in sport, but how toxic masculinity flourished in 1980s U.K. football [soccer].”

“John was there, on the field and in the changing rooms so, whilst this is a fictional account, it is deeply rooted in real life.  It candidly shows how sport at that time encouraged the best and the worst in players.  We cannot wait to bring it to screens,” Malhotra added.

Malhotra, whose debut feature “Amar, Akbar & Tony” was acquired by Netflix following a successful U.K. theatrical run, brings substantial indie credentials to the project.

Producer Richard Hague, who previously served as creative director at Remarkable TV (Banijay Group) and head of entertainment at Endemol U.K., and Malhotra now partner at Mutiny Films.

“‘The Boot Room’ immediately struck a chord with its unflinching portrayal of endemic issues in 1980s football,” Hague said. “This isn’t just a period piece; its powerful drama resonates with global relevance today. We’re eager to collaborate with John Budden to bring this vital story to the screen.”

Budden’s soccer pedigree lends authenticity to the material. The author began his career in the 1980s as an apprentice and professional at soccer club Crystal Palace alongside future England manager Gareth Southgate, before playing for Scottish premier team St. Johnstone FC in the 1990s. Following his sports career, Budden pivoted to education, becoming a respected head teacher before publishing his first novel “Everything Happens In August” in 2010.

“I knew from my first meeting with Mutiny Films that they absolutely understood the messages that I am trying to convey with ‘The Boot Room’ and that they are as committed as I am to translating it to screen as authentically as possible,” Budden said. “Toxic masculinity and bullying pose huge problems to men, women and our broader society. I hope this film shines an insightful light on the issue, from someone who was there.”

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.