**Ryan Reynolds Reveals Sir Elton John and Kenneth Branagh Are Among Wrexham’s Celebrity Followers**
Wrexham’s meteoric rise through the English football leagues has done more than delight local supporters—it has captured the attention of a host of global celebrities. Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds, who co-owns the club with Rob McElhenney, has now confirmed that two more high-profile admirers have been tracking Wrexham’s story: legendary musician Sir Elton John and acclaimed actor and director Sir Kenneth Branagh.
Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover of Wrexham in 2021 marked the beginning of a remarkable chapter in the club’s history. Under their stewardship, the Red Dragons have achieved three consecutive promotions and will soon compete in the Championship, England’s second tier, a feat long considered distant for the historic Welsh club. This extraordinary turnaround, together with a widely acclaimed Disney+ documentary, has brought international attention to north Wales.
Speaking on the RobRyanRed fan podcast, Reynolds recounted an unexpected phone call he received following one of Wrexham’s most dramatic matches—a 3-2 victory over Notts County in April 2023, which included a now legendary penalty save by goalkeeper Ben Foster. “The biggest surprise phone call I ever got was from Elton John after the Ben Foster save against Notts County,” Reynolds revealed. “I don’t usually answer numbers I don’t recognise, but there was just something about this one. Elton wanted to talk about Wrexham.”
The involvement of Sir Elton John, whose own links to football include a long association with Watford FC, further cements Wrexham’s newfound cultural relevance. The pop superstar, whose net worth is thought to surpass £470 million, is known for his sporting enthusiasm and was evidently captivated by the team’s dramatic journey.
But Sir Elton is not the only famous face following the action. Reynolds also namechecked Sir Kenneth Branagh, with whom he worked on a recent film project. According to Reynolds, Branagh’s grasp of football is “incredibly impressive,” and the director has keenly followed Wrexham’s fortunes. “I would love hearing his analysis because he knew so much more than I did,” said Reynolds, suggesting that Branagh’s commentary brings a unique perspective to the game’s tactics.
McElhenney, meanwhile, shared his own surprise at discovering Branagh’s interest. Recalling an encounter at an awards show, McElhenney explained that Branagh made a beeline for him, unexpectedly launching into a detailed conversation about Wrexham’s squad and prospects for success. “It’s amazing to hear who’s into it,” he remarked, underlining just how far the club’s story has spread.
This growing celebrity interest is emblematic of Wrexham’s transformation from a struggling lower-league side to an international football narrative, largely thanks to the exposure generated by the Welcome to Wrexham documentary series. Since its debut, the Disney+ show has introduced the club’s drama, history, and sense of community to millions globally, vastly increasing the club’s fanbase from north Wales to North America and beyond.
Reflecting on the rise of sports documentaries, McElhenney wryly commented on their own inspiration to buy a football club, crediting the earlier series ‘Sunderland ’Til I Die’ for planting the seed. “People say, ‘Can you believe everyone’s copying you by doing sports documentaries?’” he mused, “But we borrowed the idea ourselves. That’s what art is—taking what others have done and making it your own.”
The club, meanwhile, continues to make headlines for its on-field achievements and off-field profile, establishing itself as one of the most talked-about football stories in recent memory. For fans and observers alike, the celebrity endorsements are not only testament to Wrexham’s global impact but also fuel hope that the fairy tale is far from over.
As the Red Dragons prepare for life in the Championship, anticipation is building—not just among faithful fans, but evidently amongst icons of film and music. With such glittering support behind them, Wrexham’s next chapter promises to be as captivating as the last.