‘Foolish’—Hollywood’s Ryan Reynolds Weighs in on Wrexham’s Premier League Hopes

Ryan Reynolds has reaffirmed his belief that Wrexham A.F.C. should continue dreaming big, insisting the club would be “foolish not to aim” for the Premier League as they chase an unprecedented fourth straight promotion.

When Reynolds and fellow actor Rob McElhenney bought the Welsh club for $2.5 million in 2021, they openly declared their long-term ambition to take Wrexham from the National League all the way to England’s top flight. At the time, many dismissed the idea as unrealistic.

But five years later, the Red Dragons are suddenly within touching distance of turning that once-mocked dream into reality.

Speaking ahead of a heated Welsh derby—during which he and McElhenney even took part in commentary—Reynolds looked back on the remarkable journey.

“You have big expectations in the long term, but when we arrived our focus was simply to listen and learn,” he told Sky Sports. “At that stage you don’t know whether what you’re saying will sound naive or ridiculous.”
He added:

“But our goal was always the Premier League. We’d be foolish not to aim for it. I never imagined we’d be in this position so quickly. Sometimes the ball has bounced our way, but a lot of it comes down to the grit, determination and character of this team.”

Wrexham Dare to Dream
Even after securing promotion to the EFL Championship for the 2025–26 season, few believed Wrexham would genuinely compete in England’s fiercely competitive second tier.

A top-six finish seemed even less likely.
However, the Red Dragons—strengthened by several summer signings—have once again proven the doubters wrong. Despite a difficult start to the campaign, the Welsh side gradually found their rhythm and have produced an impressive season in their first Championship appearance in 43 years.

With nine games remaining, Phil Parkinson’s side currently sit sixth in the table, occupying the final playoff place. Their margin for error is slim, though, with Southampton F.C. just three points behind in seventh.

While Reynolds will be watching closely as the club pushes for a place in the EFL Championship play-offs, he insists that the football decisions remain firmly in the hands of the experts.
“Phil Parkinson has done a phenomenal job,” Reynolds explained. “One of the smartest things we’ve done as co-chairmen is trust the people who understand football far better than we ever will. That’s really been the secret.”

Reynolds Calls Wrexham Journey His Most Rewarding Experience
Despite his enormous success in Hollywood, Reynolds says his involvement with Wrexham has become the most meaningful chapter of his professional life.
During commentary for the club’s 2–0 victory over Swansea City A.F.C., the actor admitted the emotional connection he now feels to the club and its community.

“It’s easily the most rewarding professional experience of my life,” Reynolds said. “Aside from my immediate family, I can’t think of anything I’ve done that feels more worthwhile than being part of this story as it unfolds in Wrexham.”

If the Red Dragons’ recent performances—such as their strong showing against Chelsea F.C. in the FA Cup fifth round—are any indication, the club may well be on the path toward eventually competing with England’s biggest sides.

And should that dream become reality, Reynolds’ unlikely journey from Hollywood star to football club owner will only become more extraordinary.