On this day, February 14, 1986, Wildcats premiered in theaters, bringing a mix of comedy and sports action to the big screen. Directed by Michael Ritchie, the film starred Goldie Hawn as Molly McGrath, a determined high school track coach who lands a job coaching an inner-city football team, proving she can hold her own in the male-dominated sport.
The film featured an ensemble cast, including James Keach, Swoosie Kurtz, Nipsey Russell, and Mykelti Williamson. Wildcats also marked the film debuts of Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, both of whom would go on to have highly successful Hollywood careers. The movie blended humor with an underdog sports story, making it a fan favorite among 80s sports comedies.
Despite mixed critical reviews, Wildcats was a box office success, grossing $26.2 million. Goldie Hawn’s performance as the tough yet endearing coach helped solidify the film’s place in 80s pop culture, and its theme song, featuring Hawn, Harrelson, and Snipes rapping, became a fun and memorable addition to the movie’s legacy.
Fun fact: Wildcats was the first of multiple collaborations between Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, who would later reunite for White Men Can’t Jump and Money Train.
Trivia question: What other 80s sports comedy featured Goldie Hawn in a leading role before Wildcats?
The film featured an ensemble cast, including James Keach, Swoosie Kurtz, Nipsey Russell, and Mykelti Williamson. Wildcats also marked the film debuts of Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, both of whom would go on to have highly successful Hollywood careers. The movie blended humor with an underdog sports story, making it a fan favorite among 80s sports comedies.
Despite mixed critical reviews, Wildcats was a box office success, grossing $26.2 million. Goldie Hawn’s performance as the tough yet endearing coach helped solidify the film’s place in 80s pop culture, and its theme song, featuring Hawn, Harrelson, and Snipes rapping, became a fun and memorable addition to the movie’s legacy.
Fun fact: Wildcats was the first of multiple collaborations between Woody Harrelson and Wesley Snipes, who would later reunite for White Men Can’t Jump and Money Train.
Trivia question: What other 80s sports comedy featured Goldie Hawn in a leading role before Wildcats?
