The casting process for the feature film "Stoichkov - Once Upon a Time in Bulgaria," one of the most ambitious Bulgarian productions in recent years, has officially begun. The project will assemble a broad cast of over 130 roles, including lead, supporting, and cameo parts, as well as a mass casting of approximately 5,000 individuals.

The auditions are primarily targeting men, both with and without acting experience. The production is seeking authentic faces aged between 18 and 55 with a strong presence, with football and sports experience being a significant advantage for some roles. Auditioning is free, and the selection process is targeted towards specific profiles. The project also includes an international casting process, including auditions in Spain.

Simultaneously with the actor selection, the digital series "Stoichkov - Once Upon a Time in Bulgaria: The Selection" will give exclusive access to the casting process. The series will showcase behind-the-scenes moments, meetings with candidates, key decisions by the team, and exciting moments from the casting process, all to be released on the film’s digital channels.

The casting is a natural continuation of the main actor selection, which was conducted in the first Bulgarian documentary reality format "You're Already Playing... Stoichkov." At the beginning of the year, Kristo Stoichkov was chosen to play Hristo Stoichkov, and now the production is moving on to the next stage—building the entire film world.

"Stoichkov - Once Upon a Time in Bulgaria" aims to build a strong, authentic, and carefully selected cast that will recreate one of the most recognizable Bulgarian stories. The production will bring to the big screen the story of the Legendary Eight—beginning in Bulgaria and reaching the peak of world football. The project aims to establish itself as a significant event for Bulgarian audiences and to make its mark on the international scene.

The film is directed by Martin Makarev, with creative contributions from Alexander Sano and Vladimir Pamukov. The screenplay is by Georgi Angelov.

The project is supported by Winbet as the general partner, with additional backing from A1, Shumenko, Coca-Cola, Black Sea Gold, and Sport Depot.

"Stoichkov - Once Upon a Time in Bulgaria" is envisioned as a national project—a story of victories, character, and the unyielding spirit of a man and a nation, aiming to reach a wide audience and remain timeless.