Stormzy to produce biopic on English football icon Ian Wright: “I want it to give people hope and joy”
Stormzy has been confirmed to co-finance and co-produce a new biopic on English footballing icon Ian Wright.
The upcoming film, which is currently in the developmental stage, will see Stormzy work on the project through his #MerkyFilms banner.
Wright’s remarkable story saw him overcome a difficult childhood, which led to him briefly spending time in prison as a teenager while, at the same time, becoming a father himself.
After his hopes of becoming a professional footballer began to fade as he entered his early 20s, Crystal Palace plucked him out of non-league, and Wright took the opportunity with both hands.
Subsequently, he went on to become a legend at both Crystal Palace and Arsenal, as well as representing England on 33 occasions, despite coming into the professional game at a much older age than his peers.
The official synopsis for the film reads, “Ian’s journey begins on the Honor Oak Estate in Brockley, south London, where football is the young boy’s only escape from his tough home life. Schoolteacher Sydney Pigden recognises Ian’s struggles and dares him to believe in who he could be.”
It adds, “Despite this spark of hope, by his teens, Ian’s dreams of becoming a footballer are falling apart as rejection, oppression, and his own internal rage take their toll. By the time he is in his early twenties, Ian’s hope has faded, not least because he strives to be the parent he never had. But with his raw talent finally causing a stir, Ian faces a life-altering choice – risk the only security he has ever known, or take one last shot at the big time.”
Meanwhile, Wright said of bringing his life to the big screen, “Telling my story in full for the first time feels surreal and, in some ways, a long time coming. There are parts of my life that will be familiar because they’ve been talked about over the years, but this film is the first time we’re bringing it all together.”
He also reflected on working with screenwriter Tom Wilton on the script, noting how their conversations “made me realise how much Britain has changed from my parents arriving here on the Windrush, what that meant for me and my brothers, and the experiences that will never leave me.”
Wright added for his aspirations for the film, “I hope it shows how complicated life can be for a young person and the influence people around you can have – good and bad. My story is one that truly shows how the company you keep can break you down and build you up. There are hard-hitting moments but in the end I want it to give people hope and joy.”
Stormzy also explained why he was drawn to the film, sharing, “Wrighty’s journey goes far beyond football – it’s about resilience, family and believing in yourself against the odds. He’s inspired generations on and off the pitch and we’re so proud to help bring such an important and powerful story to the screen.”
Casting for the biopic, as well as discussions with distributors and studios, are currently underway, with more information, including a release timeline, set to be revealed in due course.
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