You Gotta Like Ryan

It’s hard not to like Ryan Reynolds. In fact, I’ve liked him ever since I saw him in that movie where he’s buried alive with only a mobile phone with the world’s most powerful and long-lasting battery, and the world’s longest lasting cigarette lighter for company. Talk about stretching credulity. Hollywood eh! For Ryan, life is a tapestry of charm-infused versatility, blending the worlds of comedy, action, and entrepreneurial spirit. Born on October 23, 1976, in Vancouver, Canada, Reynolds began his acting journey in humble beginnings, landing roles in teen dramas like Fifteen and the sitcom, Two Guys and a Girl. His early years were marked by persistence, working steadily in Hollywood but not yet reaching the lofty heights of stardom. The big breakthrough arrived with the film Van Wilder in 2002, where his brand of self-deprecating humour and sharp wit started to gain him recognition and a reputation for comedic roles. But it was his starring turn as the irreverent, fourth wall-breaking superhero in Deadpool in 2016 that skyrocketed him to global fame. 

MORE THAN JUST AN ACTOR.

But he’s not just a thespian face. Outside of acting, Reynolds is known for his entrepreneurial savvy. He acquired partial ownership of Aviation Gin, turning it into a successful brand through his signature humorous marketing, and sold it for a significant profit. In his personal life, Reynolds also seemingly has it all because he managed to snare actress Blake Lively and whisk her up the aisle. Their playful and public social media exchanges, filled with witty banter and affection, have made them one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples. Balancing humour with vulnerability, Reynolds has also been open about his struggles with anxiety, using his platform to speak about mental health awareness. Ultimately, Ryan Reynolds promotes envy as much as anything else. A blended life of effortless charisma, business acumen, a garage full of cash, a Hollywood A-lister with a beautiful wife and three beautiful children coupled with a willingness to take risks, transforming him from a sitcom actor into a beloved global icon. Mr Box office! Depressing, isn’t it?

THE NEW PRODUCTION

But in recent years, Ryan has starred in a new production, where the script involves a lot of ad-libs, numerous re-writes, and not a small amount of his own money, not to mention that of his co-star in this particular movie, Rob McElhenney. This new film has been running since February 2021, and put simply, it’s has been nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster fairy tale, filled with heart, grit, and more plot twists then you’d find in an Agatha Christie novel. Currently the cameras are still rolling and revealing more action sequences than the last three instalments of The Terminator!  Most of you would no doubt be familiar with Ryan and his movie career, but when it comes to his ownership of Wrexham Football Club and its long history, many of you may be scratching your heads in much the same as somebody trying to figure out New York parking signs.  

WHO IS WREXHAM FC.

So let your correspondent elucidate. Picture this: A sleepy Welsh town with a football club founded in 1864, the oldest football club in Wales and the third oldest football club in the world, but stuck in football’s semi-professional, lower leagues for years. The only thing Wrexham AFC were famous for was for not being famous. In American parlance ‘They sucked.’ It was the kind of football club that not even Google could find, the ground itself so old that the goalposts had been designated as listed buildings. Indeed, so little money had been invested that supporters could never be sure if the players were preparing for a football match or a remake of The Great Escape! Enter Reynolds and McElhenney, the unlikeliest of heroes. When the news broke in 2020 that these two showbiz titans had swooped in to buy Wrexham AFC, the football world collectively raised its eyebrows in much the same way as you might towards anybody who brought a bowl of salad to a tailgate party. Hollywood? In Wales? It sounded like a scam. But this was no PR stunt or one of those dodgy pilots that get ditched quicker than Jennifer Lopez.  Reynolds and McElhenney brought not only big smiles and larger-than-life personalities, but real passion and commitment. They embraced the town, the fans, and the history of the club with open arms and went all-in, determined to restore Wrexham to its former glory. Their charm, and X banter lit a fire under the team, and the fans, though initially hesitant and suspicious couldn’t help but fall in love.  Once struggling for attention, Wrexham the town and the football club are now on the map in a big way. Fans are traveling from far and wide, not just to watch the football but to experience the magic firsthand. Local businesses are booming, and the sense of pride in the town is palpable. Wrexham has become a must-see destination for football fans, a place where the Hollywood fairy tale is writ large. Suddenly Wrexham Town is tinsel town. The bond between the fans and the owners feels genuine, and the club is once again the heart and soul of the community. In true cinematic fashion, this isn’t over. Wrexham’s story continues to unfold, with dreams of climbing even higher up the football pyramid filling the dreams of everyone connected to the club.  Suddenly, Wrexham isn’t just another football club, it’s a global phenomenon, a symbol of hope, perseverance, and maybe even a touch of Hollywood magic. I’m even considering moving there!

THE FILMING BEGINS.

And soon thereafter the magic began to unfold on the pitch. Wrexham, who had been trapped in the National League, the fifth tier of English football for over a decade, suddenly felt alive. Reynolds and McElhenney transformed the club’s fortunes, pumping in fresh energy, a new documentary series was produced entitled, ‘Welcome to Wrexham’, and bringing international attention to this proud little corner of Wales. Their infectious enthusiasm, paired with clever investments in players and staff, set the stage for an epic, it could only happen in Hollywood, rise. The two new owners have shown up at matches in pouring rain, celebrated wildly with the team in the pub after big wins, and even made headlines with their emotional reactions during the title-winning match. It’s Hollywood flair meets gritty football passion, and the mix couldn’t be more perfect.

THE THRILLING CLIMAX.

In the 2022-23 season, the fairy tale reached its thrilling climax. After countless heart-in-mouth moments, Wrexham clinched the National League title, securing promotion back to the Football League. Fans were in dreamland! The crowning moment came when Wrexham won 3-1 in front of a packed Racecourse Ground, the stadium shaking with joy and disbelief. It was their first time back in the Professional Football League in 15 years. Cue the fireworks, champagne showers, and cries of joy, all with Ryan Reynolds tearfully beaming on the sidelines like he’s the James Stewart character being filmed in the final scene of a remake of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’ But if the original movie was sensational then the sequel was an even bigger blockbuster.  In April 2024 the club won promotion yet again to League One of the English Football league. This is merely two divisions below the Holy Grail of the Premier League where there are literally billions to be made.  At the time of writing Wrexham are sitting in one of the two automatic promotion places with a third promotion in a row clearly in their sights. Ryan Reynolds’ takeover of Wrexham feels like the ultimate real-life crossover episode. One minute he’s saving the world as Deadpool, and the next, he’s standing on the sidelines of a rainy Welsh football pitch, trying to figure out what a “throw-in” is. It’s like as if all of the characters from The Expendables have assembled… in a Welsh bar.

THE TEAM ISN’T BAD EITHER.

The players have risen to the occasion too. Wrexham’s squad, spurred on by their celebrity owners, have played with a fire that feels almost otherworldly. The likes of Paul Mullin, Ben Tozer, and Aaron Hayden have become legends in the eyes of fans, etching their names in the club’s history books. Every match still feels like the climax of a movie, with last-minute winners and dramatic goals, all playing out in front of a devoted fanbase who never give up on their dream of achieving more than they could ever imagine.  This story ain’t over but already it’s the stuff of legend, from humble beginnings in a small Welsh town to the centre of a Hollywood-driven renaissance. It’s a ride filled with passion, drama, and heart. Of course, the hill is going to get steeper as the club comes up against stiffer and wealthier opposition, which means that ultimately more and more money will need to be invested to keep the dream alive, but it proves once again that in football anything is possible. And with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney at the helm, this journey is bound to have a few more jaw-dropping moments before the final credits roll. As for Wrexham fans, they’ve gone from wondering if they’d ever see their team escape non-league football to questioning which Marvel character Ryan will convince to guest star at their next match. It’s only a matter of time before Hugh Jackman makes an appearance at the Racecourse Ground, right?  And if the Oscars ever introduce a ‘You Couldn’t Possibly Make It Up’ category, then we can only pray that Reynolds and McElhenney haven’t prepared one of these essential requirements speeches where they proceed to thank everyone, they’ve ever met from their dog walker cousin to the entire population of New Zealand. Simply ‘To Everyone at Wrexham, the football club and the town. This is for you,’ would be quite sufficient.

By Derek Ross for Soccer360