The official biopic of England soccer legend Ian Wright is in growth, with #Merky Movies to co-produce and Stormzy named as government producer. The script was penned by Tom Wilton (“Muscle,” “Bump,” “A Love Letter to M”), who’s hooked up to direct.
Wright was Arsenal’s second-top aim scorer and Crystal Palace’s Participant of the Century, and appeared 33 occasions for England, enjoying towards the likes of Beckham and Zidane, and going through harm setbacks which will have ended different careers.
Retiring from soccer in 2000, Wright turned one in all its main pundits. Championing the ladies’s sport and highlighting the impression on kids rising up with home violence, he has transcended the world of soccer and, in 2023, was awarded a nationwide honor, the OBE, by Prince William.
“Ian’s journey begins on the Honor Oak Estate in Brockley, south London, where soccer is the young boy’s only escape from his tough home life,” the synopsis reads. “Schoolteacher Sydney Pigden acknowledges Ian’s struggles and dares him to consider in who he could possibly be. Regardless of this spark of hope, by his teenagers, Ian’s goals of changing into a soccer participant are falling aside as rejection, oppression and his personal inside 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.”
Wright stated: “Telling my story in full for the primary time feels surreal and, in some methods, a very long time coming. There are components of my life that will probably be acquainted as a result of they’ve been talked about through the years, however this movie is the primary time we’re bringing all of it collectively. Retelling my story to Tom has additionally made me understand how a lot Britain has modified from my mother and father arriving right here on the Windrush, what that meant for me and my brothers, and the experiences that can by no means go away me.
“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.”
“It has been a privilege working closely with Wrighty to capture his story, not least because we both spent our formative years on the same estate,” Wilton stated. “In Ian’s journey, I recognized the power of a dream, and just how difficult it is to keep going when the world refuses to see you. For a man so well-known, there is still so much for people to discover, including what it took for him to never give up. I made a promise to tell the history like it was – raw and real. Now, I can’t wait for people to truly experience Ian Wright’s incredible journey.”
The manufacturing group contains Academy Award nominated producer Sara McFarlane (“A Love Letter to M,” “Red White and Blue,” “Love Brooklyn”) for Important Viewing, Stephen Tottingham for Serpentine Inventive, and government producers Stormzy and Akua Agyemfra for #Merky Movies.
McFarlane stated: “Tom’s script is a poignant reminder that no matter who you are or where you come from, you belong; that hard work actually does always pay off, and that persistence is key. At its core, this is a story about the come up – an underdog with a gold tooth from south London that made history on and off the field despite all obstacles faced.”
Tottingham commented, “I feel a sense of responsibility to do Wrighty’s life story justice – he’s one of Britain’s most-loved personalities and I can’t think of anyone else with the depth and breadth of his experiences. I know it’s going to capture people and show a side to Wrighty’s life that most people won’t have seen.”
“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,” Stormzy, producer and government producer for Merky Movies, stated.
“We are very excited to be involved in such a seminal project. Ian is part of British culture, it’s bigger than football and we can’t wait to bring this story to life,” Akua Agyemfra, producer and government producer for Merky Movies, stated.
The biopic will probably be forged by Carolyn McLeod and Matt Sheppard, the group behind BIFA successful and BAFTA nominated function “Boiling Point,” and discussions with studios and distributors are underway.
Wright is represented by Roscoe Bowman at Squad Sports activities. #Merky Movies is represented by Akua Agyemfra. McFarlane is represented by Liza Zusman at Untitled Leisure.
