**Ryan Reynolds Jokes About ‘Stealing’ Marvel Costume for Wrexham Display — ‘Could Be In Trouble with Disney’**
Wrexham AFC’s co-owner Ryan Reynolds has always sparked headlines, whether for his Hollywood exploits or for galvanising the Welsh football club’s meteoric rise. Now, the Canadian actor finds himself in the spotlight once again — this time for a playful admission he may have committed “grand theft” by taking a unique movie prop from the set of the recent Marvel blockbuster, *Deadpool and Wolverine*.
Appearing on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*, Reynolds confessed to spiritedly removing a particular costume from the film’s set — not the signature red-and-black Deadpool suit normally associated with his wisecracking antihero, but a one-off variant designed specifically for Wrexham striker Paul Mullin’s cameo in the film. Mullin appeared as the character ‘Welshpool’, donning an altered suit proudly embellished with the Welsh flag, an overt nod to his club and its supporters.
Reynolds appeared unfazed about the implications of his tongue-in-cheek confession. “The Racecourse Ground is the oldest international football stadium on earth, and that [costume] lives there,” he explained. “That’s actual grand theft. I just stole that from Disney.” The late-night host bantered back, jesting about Disney’s reputedly robust legal department, to which Reynolds dryly retorted, “They’re not litigious at all. No, they’re fine with it.”
The display of the ‘Welshpool’ suit in Wrexham’s Centenary Club at the Racecourse Ground has become something of a local attraction. It stands as a symbol of the interwoven fates of cinema and sport, since Reynolds and co-owner Rob McElhenney took the reins of Wrexham in 2021 and propelled the team to worldwide prominence. The involvement of high-profile owners, along with the global reach of the Disney+ documentary *Welcome to Wrexham*, has drawn the eyes of football fans — and curious film buffs — far beyond North Wales.
Reynolds’ impish act comes as *Deadpool and Wolverine* has set new commercial benchmarks, amassing close to £1 billion worldwide since its release in July 2024. The film’s pairing of Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in their iconic Marvel roles has not only boosted box office takings but also made it the highest-grossing R-rated film to date. The movie marks the duo’s full introduction into Disney’s Marvel Cinematic Universe, following the entertainment giant’s acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019.
Paul Mullin, reflecting on his own role in the film, expressed delight at the unexpected foray into Hollywood. Speaking to *The Mirror*, Mullin recalled how Reynolds had informed him about the cameo: “Ryan asked me quite a while before we filmed if I wanted to be in the movie. He apologised that he wanted me to be in it… It was something I was going to be over the moon to have the opportunity to do, and I’m eternally grateful.” Mullin’s brief appearance was squeezed into a single day’s shoot during the football season, a sign of both his packed schedule and the unorthodox nature of the cross-over between sport and cinema.
The forward, who has scored over 100 goals since joining Wrexham in 2021, expressed pride in portraying a character rooted in Welsh identity. “My nan was born in Wales, and I consider myself more Welsh than English to be honest with you,” Mullin said. He hailed Reynolds’ creative vision for ‘Welshpool’ and admitted, “The suits are on display at the stadium – I get to see them quite often. It was fantastic, I relished the moment.”
Wrexham itself has continued its extraordinary trajectory under the stewardship of Reynolds and McElhenney, achieving three consecutive promotions. Last month, the Dragons’ victory over Charlton Athletic ensured their place in the Championship next season for the first time in over four decades. As for Mullin’s future, it appears less certain, with the striker having seen less action in recent months, but he remains a firm favourite among the club’s loyal supporters.
Whether Reynolds genuinely risks the legal wrath of Disney or not, his playful irreverence typifies the unique spirit he and his partners have fostered in Wrexham — one where football, celebrity, and a dash of cinematic mischief have combined with remarkable results. As both the club and its colourful co-owner continue to write their story, the adventures off the pitch show no sign of slowing.