**Wrexham Director Sheds Light on Ryan Reynolds’ Visits Amid Hollywood Turmoil**
Ryan Reynolds, the globally recognised actor and co-owner of Wrexham AFC, has reportedly been seeking solace in North Wales as allegations and a legal feud continue to engulf his family in Hollywood. Amid an escalating dispute involving his wife, Blake Lively, and actor Justin Baldoni—their co-star in the 2024 film “It Ends With Us”—Reynolds has been noted for turning to football for respite from the relentless scrutiny and stress.
Blake Lively is embroiled in a legal battle with Baldoni, with allegations flying in both directions following their recent collaboration. Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and damaging her reputation, while Baldoni has issued counter-claims not only against Lively, but also involving Reynolds himself, citing defamation among other issues. Both camps have firmly denied any wrongdoing, but the case has undoubtedly generated significant tension and public attention.
Amid these high-profile legal rows, Reynolds and Lively were spotted last month enthusiastically celebrating Wrexham AFC’s promotion to the Championship at the Racecourse Ground. They were joined by Reynolds’ co-owner, Rob McElhenney, as the team secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic, marking a historic moment for the club and its fanbase. For the couple, these public celebrations in North Wales offered a sharp contrast to the headlines dominating their Hollywood lives.
Humphrey Ker, a senior figure within Wrexham AFC, recently spoke on the “High Performance” podcast, providing insight into Reynolds’ current state of mind. Ker highlighted how much both Reynolds and McElhenney cherish their involvement with the club, explaining that the positive impact on the community brings them genuine happiness. Ker noted, “Ryan has joked, sometimes in disbelief at how involved he’s become, yet it’s evident how much he enjoys being a part of Wrexham. Especially with the personal turmoil he’s navigating, these escapes to Wales seem to bring him real relief.”
Ker further added that Wrexham represents an escape for both Reynolds and McElhenney—a welcome break from the demands of Hollywood. “People here are more concerned about footballing matters than anyone’s celebrity dramas,” Ker explained. “For Ryan, it’s a place where life’s complications are put aside in favour of the straightforward passion and camaraderie that football inspires.”
Despite Wrexham’s current wave of success, Ker also recalled how he once cautioned Reynolds about the challenging realities of owning a football club. “I told him early on, ‘Eventually, if results don’t go our way, don’t be surprised if you face criticism from fans—even in front of your family. Passions can run high in football, for better or worse.’” Ker offered to absorb any negativity directed at Reynolds, emphasising the volatility and emotional rollercoaster of football ownership.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s journey with the club began during the disruptions of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing them to postpone their first in-person visit. Their eagerly anticipated debut match, a defeat away at Maidenhead United, provided an unconventional welcome, with home fans jeering the Hollywood duo through the match. Nevertheless, Ker shared that the experience was embraced with humour, noting that the actors appreciated the unfiltered environment, so different from their lives dominated by fame.
Ker remarked, “For Ryan, stepping into Wrexham for the first time changed his perspective. Watching games remotely was no substitute for experiencing the raw atmosphere and passion on the ground—even if it meant being on the receiving end of some good-natured ribbing from rival fans.”
The extraordinary story of Wrexham’s rise has been chronicled in the Disney+ documentary “Welcome to Wrexham”, expanding the club’s appeal beyond North Wales to a global audience and attracting new supporters in droves. Reynolds’ and McElhenney’s hands-on approach and visible passion for the club have played a significant part in this transformation.
In a period marked by intense personal and professional challenges for Reynolds, Wrexham AFC has emerged as a rare sanctuary—an opportunity for the actor to immerse himself in a community that looks beyond celebrity, focusing instead on the euphorias and let-downs of the world’s oldest team sport. As the legal disputes continue to simmer, it seems the football pitch in Wrexham, for now, offers Reynolds far more than just a spectator’s seat.