How Wrexham’s Hollywood Owners Brought Back the Magic of Football
When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over Wrexham AFC in 2020, most people thought it was a gimmick—a PR stunt by two celebrities looking to dabble in sport. But what unfolded over the next few seasons wasn’t just a business venture. It was a cultural phenomenon, and a revival of community football that reminded fans why we love the game in the first place.
Wrexham, the third-oldest professional football club in the world, had spent over a decade languishing in non-league purgatory. Its supporters were fiercely loyal, but funding was tight, the stadium was crumbling, and promotion felt like a distant dream. Enter Deadpool and Mac from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
The duo didn’t just throw money at the problem—they embedded themselves in the culture. The Disney+ docuseries *Welcome to Wrexham* offered a raw, emotional glimpse into what football means to a working-class town in North Wales. The owners showed up to matches, met with fans, and even learned how relegation works (eventually).
But beyond the cameras and social media charm, serious changes took root. The Racecourse Ground was revitalised. Top-tier talent like Paul Mullin joined the club. And crucially, Wrexham’s football actually improved. After narrowly missing promotion in their first full season, the 2022–23 campaign became historic. A 3–1 win over Boreham Wood secured their return to the Football League, sending the town into ecstasy.
Wrexham’s rise resonated beyond North Wales. In America, the club gained a cult following. Shirts sold out. TikToks went viral. US tourists started flying in for fifth-tier matches. The crossover appeal of Hollywood storytelling with gritty non-league football created something unique: a narrative-driven fanbase invested in both the sport and its humanity.
Critics argued the takeover wasn’t sustainable—that football shouldn’t be a film set. But Wrexham’s model proved otherwise. By mixing genuine community investment with smart marketing and financial support, the club became a case study in modern football success. Reynolds and McElhenney respected the traditions of the club while modernising its future.
Today, Wrexham sit comfortably in League Two, with ambitions for more. Their women’s team is thriving, the youth system is expanding, and the club is financially healthier than it’s been in decades. Most importantly, the fans feel heard—and hopeful.
Hollywood or not, Wrexham’s story is a love letter to football’s roots. It’s proof that passion, humour, and authenticity still matter in a game that’s increasingly dominated by billionaires, VAR, and sportswashing. For once, the scriptwriters got it right.