**Wrexham’s Historic Promotion: The Hollywood Connection and an Unexpected Arsenal Link**
Wrexham AFC’s remarkable rise through the leagues reached new heights last weekend as the North Wales side secured their third successive promotion, booking their place in the Championship. Under the stewardship of Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham sealed their ascension from League One with a convincing 3-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at the Racecourse Ground, a triumph that set off jubilant scenes among fans and players alike.
The ownership of Wrexham by Reynolds and McElhenney has captured the public’s imagination both in the UK and overseas, with the club’s journey chronicled in the immensely popular ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary. This has turned the club into something of a global phenomenon, drawing support from beyond the local fanbase and welcoming a parade of celebrities to the Racecourse over the course of the season. Star names such as Eva Longoria, Channing Tatum, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, and Brendan Sklenar have all made appearances, adding a splash of Hollywood glamour to proceedings.
However, amidst the glitter and excitement, it has emerged that one of Rob McElhenney’s long-time friends and fellow actor, Danny DeVito, has been quietly playing a supportive role in Wrexham’s off-field story. DeVito, best known for his work on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’ alongside McElhenney, and a devoted Arsenal supporter, has reportedly served as a mentor and sounding board since the earliest days of the ownership talks during the Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. According to reports, DeVito offered advice as McElhenney considered his first step into football ownership — a decision that has since transformed Wrexham’s fortunes.
While DeVito, who is reported to be worth in the region of £60 million, has not yet visited Wrexham in person, his support has not gone unnoticed. He was spotted celebrating fervently at a viewing party in Los Angeles after Wrexham scored a dramatic late winner against Barnsley last December. Footage of DeVito revelling with fans went viral, delighting supporters on both sides of the Atlantic and underscoring the extent to which Wrexham’s journey now resonates far beyond Wales.
McElhenney himself has regularly spoken about the value of DeVito’s friendship and advice. On the legendary actor’s 80th birthday, McElhenney paid public tribute via social media, sharing, “He could still give you the best advice you’ve ever gotten and make you feel loved no matter what. He’s an American treasure. There is only one Danny DeVito.” This heartfelt message highlighted the genuine bond between the two men, and shed light on the support network behind Wrexham’s high-profile leadership.
DeVito’s footballing allegiances are well-known, having declared his love for Arsenal during a surprise on-stage moment at the 2019 National Television Awards. During his appearance, he playfully floated the idea of stepping into the boots of Petr Čech following the goalkeeper’s retirement, to the amusement — and occasional booing — of the audience. Nevertheless, his passion for the game is evident, and his involvement with McElhenney has indirectly contributed to the growing crossover between the worlds of football and entertainment.
Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Wrexham’s on-field achievements, and the management team headed by Phil Parkinson. The manager was quick to praise the club’s Hollywood owners after promotion was secured, highlighting their balance between support and autonomy. Speaking with Sky Sports, Parkinson acknowledged, “They’ve let the manager pick the team, sign the players and have sat back and let us do our job, but still been involved. They’ve been outstanding for us and great to work for.” This approach, he noted, is a rarity in modern football.
The surge in Wrexham’s worldwide following, amplified by the Disney+ series, has also led to a fresh demand for inside perspectives and analysis. To meet this, newsletters such as ‘Wrexham is the Game’ have sprung up, offering fans a regular digest of club news, opinion, and behind-the-scenes insight — a testament to the club’s transformation from lower-league stalwarts to international talking point.
As Wrexham prepares for the challenge of Championship football, the sense remains that the club’s story is as much about community and connection as it is about results on the pitch. With owners, supporters and well-wishers — both local and Hollywood-based — all sharing in the success, Wrexham’s journey offers a unique and inspiring reminder of football’s universal appeal.