That seems to be the case with this series, which is a game of two halves. In the words of Shaun Harvey, an adviser to the board, they have to “utilise that celebrity asset” – and they do. For example, while it is vague on the details, they make it possible for the grass on the pitch to be replaced at great – and unexpected – expense. They bring in big-name sponsors and turn their social media spotlight on to the team. They know that their fame can make Wrexham famous on a much larger scale. Reynolds and McElhenney offered financial support and hope when they bought the club. I suspect it will be all the more effective on people, like me, who have not followed Wrexham’s journey closely in the past two years. Matches are given the high-tension treatment, with dramatic music, slow-motion shots and cliffhangers. Unsurprisingly, the footage has been put together with Hollywood pomp. Never has a room full of men looked less impressed. There is an excruciating scene as Ker introduces himself to the squad, admitting that he is a TV writer and that this is the extent of his qualifications to be the club’s “executive director”. Reynolds and McElhenney are self-deprecating and funny. The documentary was planned before the takeover was completed, so there are cameras there at every step of the way. “Even though I’ve never been there, it reminds me of Philadelphia,” he says. One of the questions asked of the two actors at the start is: “Why Wrexham?” Although there isn’t one satisfactory answer to that, McElhenney offers his working-class upbringing as a point of recognition and empathy. McElhenney and Reynolds might be the names above the marquee, but it evolves into a touching and inspiring documentary about an ordinary town that is down on its luck and could do with a lift. Once it gets its Football for Dummies shtick – and its compulsion to explain what words such as “sacked” mean – out of the way, it improves enormously. I thought subtitling Welsh people speaking English in a documentary about a Welsh team was a bit inconsiderate, but at least it affords the honour to anyone English who grew up north of the Watford Gap, too. Anyone who has a whiff of an accent that isn’t home counties gets subtitles. The pitch is referred to as the field the league system is explained by way of a comparison with the minor league baseball team the Toledo Mud Hens. The series is clearly aimed at an American audience, with much made of the strangeness of the situation. McElhenney, who admits he needed “superhero-movie-star money” to buy the club, appears to be the driving force behind the deal. There is only a smattering of Reynolds, who is more camera-shy than might be expected. It places much of its early focus on McElhenney and his English colleague Humphrey Ker, a comedian, screenwriter and actor turned “Rob and Ryan’s guy” at the club. With their goal of getting Wrexham – the oldest club in Wales and the third-oldest continually operating professional team in the world – promoted from the fifth tier of English football, the series has the hallmarks of a fish-out-of-water documentary, a Ted Lasso in real life, but it turns out to be a more soulful series than that, once it gets over its bumpy landing.īased on the opener of the 18 zippy episodes (five of which were available for preview), I had low hopes. The release date for this Marvel epic? Mark your calendars for May 3, 2024.Welcome to Wrexham (Disney+) tells the story of how Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, internet friends and Hollywood stars with seemingly little knowledge of football – but a clear enthusiasm for sport in general – bought Wrexham AFC in early 2021. Fans are keenly awaiting the dynamism between this new Wolverine and Reynolds' Deadpool. Jackman, renowned for his long-standing portrayal of Wolverine in the Fox-led mutant universe, is set to bring a fresh twist to the character, introducing a Logan variant from an alternate Earth. A gap of over half a decade since its predecessor, the third installment in the Deadpool saga is creating a buzz for a special reason: the inclusion of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. Once he hangs up his soccer managerial hat, Reynolds will be donning his irreverent alter ego, Wade Wilson, for Deadpool 3. Season 2 will throw light on their comeback strategy post their inaugural setback.īut that's not all on Reynolds' plate. Though their initial venture didn't catapult the team into a higher league, their spirit remained indomitable. Taken by the potential and promise of Wrexham A.F.C., the duo pooled in their resources, forming a unique alliance. It all began during the tumultuous pandemic days when Rob McElhenney pitched the idea of buying a professional soccer club to Reynolds. Rewinding a bit to the series' debut season, it traced the rather unexpected journey of Reynolds stepping into the world of soccer.
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