Dean Cain Advocates for Women’s Sports While Debuting Heartwarming Soccer Film

Dean Cain Advocates for Women’s Sports While Debuting Heartwarming Soccer Film

On Friday, audiences across the nation will experience the family-friendly sports film “Little Angels.” This inspiring story, revolving around a determined team of young athletes and their steadfast coach, is a product of actor Dean Cain’s creative vision as he took on the roles of writer, director, and producer.

“Little Angels” centers on Jake Rogers, a Division I college football coach portrayed by Cain, who faces a $5 million ultimatum. The film not only captures the essence of sports but also delves into themes of redemption and personal growth. According to Cain, the pivotal line in the script, declaring that “soccer is for girls,” serves as a catalyst for the lead character’s transformation.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Cain shared his thoughts on the humorous remark. “It’s always a joke I make,” he expressed, adding, “Soccer is the world’s game. As someone who played American football, I found it amusing. It’s just part of our nature to poke fun at soccer and rugby.”

Having signed as a rookie with the Buffalo Bills in 1988 after an impressive collegiate football career at Princeton, Cain’s journey took a different turn when a knee injury ended his professional NFL aspirations. This personal experience undoubtedly influences his perspective on sports, particularly when discussing the ongoing debate surrounding men participating in women’s competitions.

While the film touches on the subject of gender in sports, it is not the central theme. Cain firmly believes that once boys reach a certain age, they should no longer compete with girls. “I’m a huge supporter of women’s athletics,” he stated. “I don’t think men or boys should compete with women beyond the age of 7 or 10. At higher levels, men and women should compete separately, end of story.”

Cain’s passion for supporting women’s sports shines through his words as he adds, “Many of my ex-girlfriends have been professional athletes, and I have immense respect for women’s sports. It’s crucial for females to compete against each other for fair acknowledgment of their abilities.”

The heart of “Little Angels” emphasizes purpose and perspective, delivering a touching narrative about teamwork and the significance of family bonds.

Character reflection also plays a vital role in the film, as Cain identifies pieces of himself within Rogers. Despite the controversies he acknowledges surrounding his character’s remarks on female athletes, Cain maintains that viewers will appreciate the journey Rogers undertakes.

The plot escalates when Rogers faces an ultimatum: he must coach a team of 12-year-old girls or forfeit the potential $5 million. This scenario evokes comparisons to beloved films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Mighty Ducks,” which explore similar themes of teamwork and resilience.

As Cain observes, these narratives resonate deeply across generations. “When you take a flawed individual, place him in a challenging situation, and introduce him to the values of teamwork and family, magic happens,” he explained.

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including actors Lou Ferrigno, Bryan Callen, and Swedish actress Helena Mattson. The casting process began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Cain expressed his hope that the young actors would exhibit chemistry on-screen. “They are truly the heart of the story,” he commented.

Cain praised the young actresses, including Alex Jayne Go and Alexandra Stamler, both of whom brought remarkable talent to their roles. Additionally, he shared that his niece and goddaughter also contribute to the film’s roster as athletes.

Reflecting on his legacy, Cain mentioned how being associated with the iconic character Superman has shaped his career. “I’ve been called Superman forever, and that’s great. If people start calling me Coach Jake after this film, I’ll cherish that recognition. It brings me a warm feeling inside,” he noted.

In addition to “Little Angels,” Cain is actively producing multiple projects this year, including a golf film that he is co-directing alongside his son. The world premiere of his latest film took place at the International Christian Film Festival in May, where he received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Despite the accolade, Cain humbly remarked, “I don’t feel like I’ve achieved that level yet; perhaps they were just being kind to me.”

“Little Angels” is set to hit theaters nationwide on Friday, June 6, 2025, inviting audiences to embrace a story of teamwork, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.