The Hristo Stoichkov biopic is running behind schedule and won't hit screens by the date first given when the project was announced. Producers had pointed to autumn 2027 as the release window, but they haven't set a new date.
People close to Stoichkov say the work is behind, but the former footballer is sure the final result will be worth the wait. They say he's watching the project closely and wants the scenes to look convincing, so the delay isn't a sign the film will be rushed.
The film is the feature "Stoichkov - Once Upon a Time in Bulgaria", released internationally as "Stoichkov - Against All Odds". Martin Makariev directs, Georgi Angelov wrote the script, and Alexander Sano and Vladimir Pamukov are also on the creative team. The lead role goes to young actor Kristo Stoichkov, who was found through the TV show "You're Playing Now... Stoichkov".
The story follows the main stages of the Ballon d'Or winner's life and career. Plans call for more than 170 crew and cast members to take part in filming. When the project was first announced, its creators said it wasn't meant to be an ordinary sports biography.
Burgas city council says the city will host filming for about two weeks. Preparations for the seaside shoot began in summer, and filming in Burgas was due to run from late August to mid-September. The city council voted to put in 60,000 euros in co-funding.
Casting for extras and footballers for individual scenes started at the Lazur stadium. The plan includes big football scenes and re-enactments from different stages of Stoichkov's career, which need serious organisation and a lot of people on set.
People around him say he wants a strong effect on audiences and wants to reach viewers beyond Bulgaria. His name is still best known in Spain, Italy, the US and Latin America.
The multimedia show "Stoitchkov The Show" will now run on 25 January 2027 at Arena 8888 Sofia, after organisers moved the date, and tickets are already on sale. The show will bring together football stars, actors and people from different periods of his life, and is billed as a stage retelling of his career rather than a match or a concert.
Stoichkov keeps showing up at football events and meetings with former teammates. At the "Footballer of Footballers" ceremony he spoke with Krasimir Balakov, Ivaylo Yordanov, Plamen Nikolov, Daniel Borimirov and other former national team players, and had a long conversation in Spanish with Levski coach Julio Velázquez.