Wrexham have become headline news around the world thanks to Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, with some players certainly benefiting.
No Wrexham fan could have expected seeing the club becoming the source of global interest thanks to Hollywood ownership.
Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds bought Wrexham for £2million in 2021 though and changed the club’s fortunes on and off the pitch.
On the pitch, Wrexham have thrived with McElhenney and Reynolds’ backing, achieving back-to-back promotions – and a third isn’t out of the question.
Off the pitch, Wrexham have picked up fans from across the world thanks to the fame of McElhenney and Reynolds, as well as the success of ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
The entertainment opportunities aren’t confined to the documentary series either, with Wrexham players featuring in Reynolds’ films.
Paul Mullin on Deadpool role
Reynolds is one of the biggest movie stars around and he has taken the chance to bring Wrexham players onto the big screen… well, in a way.
Ollie Palmer featured in Deadpool & Wolverine but only in the background of a clip featuring Reynolds and co-star Hugh Jackman.
Eagle-eyed fans spotted Palmer and then saw fellow striker Paul Mullin feature as ‘Welshpool’ when the film was released.
Mullin wore a Deadpool mask with the Welsh flag across his chest having become a star of the Wrexham rise.
Mullin has now opened up on that role whilst speaking to The Mirror, admitting that Reynolds actually apologised for wanting him to be in the film.
The Wrexham striker admitted that he enjoyed the role though and will be ‘eternally grateful’ to Reynolds for the chance.
Mullin added that the ‘Welshpool’ idea came from Reynolds, branding it ‘brilliant’ whilst admitting that he feels more Welsh than English.
“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,” said Mullin.
“I’m pretty sure there wasn’t an apology needed. It was something I was going to be over the moon to have the opportunity to do, and I’m eternally grateful for it.
“It was surreal when you see the set and things like that, but equally I didn’t have time to hang about. We recorded it during the season in one day, so I wasn’t allowed much time there. Ryan and all the crew made sure I was in and out as quickly as possible – I suppose I got the royalty treatment, as if I was Ryan Reynolds.
“It was over and done with really quickly, in a couple of hours. It was something I really enjoyed. I found it quite easy, and also refreshing. It was different. I loved it.
“My nan was born in Wales, and I consider myself more Welsh than English to be honest with you. It [the idea for Welshpool] was just something Ryan came up with, and I thought it was brilliant. I really enjoyed playing the part. The suits are available to see all the time at the stadium – I get to see them quite a lot. It was brilliant, I enjoyed the moment,” he added.
Mullin focused on goals over films
Mullin loved this opportunity and it’s something he can’t have even imagined even five years ago.
Rob McElhenney tempted Mullin to Wrexham but becoming a film star can’t have been in his mind when deciding to quit Cambridge United.
Mullin has reached a certain level of fame with Wrexham but it’s not for his role as ‘Welshpool’ – it’s for his goals.
The Liverpudlian has been a goal machine for Wrexham, firing the club to those back-to-back promotions.
This season has been a little different though; Mullin has scored just two league goals so far this season.
Mullin will be keen to find his form and find the back of the net, with his on-pitch job certainly taking priority over any future film opportunities.