Ryan Reynolds Calls Premier League Dreams "Foolish" as Hollywood Star Gets Real About Wrexham's Future
Wrexham co-chairman Ryan Reynolds supported his team's aspirations of achieving an unprecedented fourth straight promotion, stating they would be "unwise not to target" the Premier League.
When the Hollywood star, together with Rob Mac, acquired Wales' smallest football club for $2.5 million in 2021, they declared their ultimate objective was to elevate Wrexham from the National League to England's elite division. The celebrities faced criticism for such a bold vision, but now, five years on, the Red Dragons are close to accomplishing this remarkable milestone.
Reynolds looked back on the incredible journey before Friday night's Welsh derby, a fixture he and Mac provided commentary for. "You maintain high aspirations long-term, but our approach was to observe and absorb knowledge, and at that moment, you're uncertain whether what you're expressing sounds ridiculous or inexperienced," he shared with Sky Sports.
"But our target was always the Premier League. I mean, we'd be unwise to not strive for that. I didn't expect we would reach this point so rapidly; nevertheless, sometimes fortune favored us. At other times, this squad's resilience, resolve and spirit is what truly propelled them forward, even more than pure talent."
Wrexham Dare to Dream of a Spot at Wembley
Wrexham Dare to Dream of a Spot at Wembley
Even following their guaranteed promotion to the Championship for the 2025–26 campaign, Wrexham were dismissed as genuine contenders among England's second-tier clubs, much less securing a top-six position.
However, the Red Dragons, strengthened by several new signings during the summer, persisted in their trademark style—exceeding expectations. Despite a difficult beginning, the Welsh team gradually established momentum and delivered a commendable performance in their first Championship season in 43 years.
With only nine matches remaining, Phil Parkinson's squad occupies sixth place in the table, claiming the final playoff position. They maintain just a three-point advantage over seventh-placed Southampton, however, which provides minimal margin for mistakes as the campaign nears its conclusion.
Reynolds will certainly be focused on the team's Premier League ambitions over the coming months, but he is entrusting all major decisions to Parkinson and his squad.
"Phil Parkinson has performed exceptionally well, and I believe the finest thing we've accomplished as co-chairmen has been to delegate the football matters to those who comprehend the sport better than we ever will, and that's been our winning formula," Reynolds disclosed.
Reynolds Hails Wrexham As the 'Most Rewarding' Experience
Reynolds Hails Wrexham As the 'Most Rewarding' Experience
Having achieved considerable success in Hollywood, it's difficult to envision another professional venture surpassing Reynolds' cinematic accomplishments. Yet the 49-year-old film star now considers Wrexham the highlight of his career.
"It's been, without question for me, I'll state, the most fulfilling professional venture of my entire career, and emotionally significant, as well," Reynolds shared during commentary for the club's 2–0 victory over Swansea City on Friday.
"Beyond my immediate family, I cannot recall anything I've undertaken in my life that's more meaningful and magnificent than participating in this Wrexham narrative as it develops."
If the Red Dragons' outstanding display against Chelsea in the FA Cup fifth round serves as any indication, the club is progressing toward eventually competing with England's premier teams—and Reynolds's ownership journey will only become more extraordinary.