Streep, Lawrence, Close and other stars urge union to seek ‘transformative deal’

LOS ANGELES >> Some of Hollywood’s biggest stars are urging their union to hold the line in contract negotiations and signaled strong support for a strike if necessary.

In a sharply worded letter to the leaders of SAG-AFTRA, more than 300 members of the performers union said they would support a strike if negotiators could not secure a “transformative deal” on a new film and TV contract.

The letter was signed by several high-profile members, including Meryl Streep, Glenn Close, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Poehler, Rami Malek and John Leguizamo.

“A strike brings incredible hardships to so many, and no one wants it,” the letter said. “But we are prepared to strike if it comes to that. This is not a moment to meet in the middle.”

Taika Waititi’s soccer pic set for Toronto Film Festival premiere

NEW YORK >> Taika Waititi’s soccer comedy “Next Goal Wins” will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this fall, organizers said.

The Searchlight Pictures film is based on a true story and stars Michael Fassbender as a Dutch-American soccer coach assigned to help the struggling American Samoa national team in its quest to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The team at that point was best known for suffering the worst loss in international football history — a 31-0 game against Australia in 2001.

Waititi and co-writer Iain Morris based the film off of a 2014 British documentary of the same name, from Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, which chronicled the comeback attempt. The new film also stars Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss.

“Next Goal Wins” is the first major Hollywood film this year to stake its claim on the busy fall film festival season.