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Entertainment • Film

Champions (2023 film)

Champions is a 2023 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Bobby Farrelly and written by Mark Rizzo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Champions is a 2023 American sports comedy-drama film directed by Bobby Farrelly and written by Mark Rizzo. It stars Woody Harrelson as a former minor-league basketball coach who is court-ordered to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities as community service. The film is an English-language remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones.

Plot

The film centers on Marcus Marakovich, a minor-league basketball coach whose court-ordered community service requires him to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities. As he gets to know the team, his attitude changes and the group works toward a championship goal.

Cast

Woody Harrelson plays Marcus Marakovich, with Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, and Cheech Marin in supporting roles. The cast also includes performers portraying members of the team.

Production

Champions is an English-language remake of the Spanish film Campeones. Bobby Farrelly directed the film from a screenplay by Mark Rizzo.

Release and reception

The film premiered in U.S. theatres on March 10, 2023. Critical reception was mixed, and the film earned roughly US$19 million at the box office.

Key facts

  • Bobby Farrelly made his solo directorial debut with the film.
  • The story follows a disgraced basketball coach assigned to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities.
  • The film is a remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones.
  • It was released in the United States by Focus Features.
  • The film received mixed reviews from critics.
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Canadian context

The film was distributed internationally, and Canadian viewers may know it through Canadian streaming and home-entertainment availability after its theatrical run.

Frequently asked questions

What is Champions (2023 film) about?
It follows a basketball coach ordered by the court to coach a team of players with intellectual disabilities as community service.
Who directed Champions?
Bobby Farrelly directed the film.
Who stars in Champions?
Woody Harrelson stars, with Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, and Cheech Marin among the supporting cast.
Is Champions based on another film?
Yes. It is an English-language remake of the 2018 Spanish film Campeones.
When was Champions released?
It was released in the United States on March 10, 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Champions_(2023_film)
    Supports: Director, writer, cast, remake status, release date, and box office overview.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/champions_2022
    Supports: Synopsis, director, rating, release dates, runtime, language, and box office.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15339570/
    Supports: Plot premise and release date.
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/champions
    Supports: Plot details, cast, and theatrical and streaming dates.